Stratford resident Maura Harper, who saw King George VI on VE Day, turns 105

A STRATFORD resident who saw King George VI and the future Queen Elizabeth II on VE Day has celebrated her 105th birthday.

Maura Harper was the centre of attention during a surprise birthday party at Holy Trinity Parish Centre on Wednesday 30th July.

Barnfield Homecare, who provide care to the elderly to allow them to remain living at home, organised an afternoon tea filled with sandwiches, scones and sweet treats – which Maura loved.

They said she had a wonderful afternoon and appreciated all her loved ones coming to celebrate. Amongst those who came were her brother from Birmingham and two nieces who live in London.

She was the daughter of an army officer born from Blackburn then later Birmingham. Maura herself was born in 1920 in Clonmel, Tipperary, and educated in schools in Lancashire and and remembers happy holidays in Ireland.