Alice celebrates the big 100

A FIGHTING-FIT Suffolk great-grandmother has been looking forward to celebrating her 100th birthday

Alice Cracknell, known by her middle name, May, was excited about receiving her letter from the Queen yesterday at Coniston House Residential Home in Felixstowe.

Mrs Cracknell's daughter Phyllis Moore, 74 of Felixstowe Ferry described her mother as remarkable woman.

"Up until 18 months ago my mother was looking after herself in her home at Bucklesham," she said.

Having out-lived her five brothers and sisters, Mrs Cracknell puts down her longevity to a clean lifestyle.

She said: "I have never smoked and only drink the occasional sherry at Christmas and other celebrations."

"I don't know why I have lived so long. We have all got our limits and I must have been made of stronger stuff. God has a time for everyone and it's not my time yet."

Born at Sutton in 1903, Mrs Cracknell moved to the farmhouse at Bucklesham Hall before meeting her husband, Arthur, at Woodbridge fairground. She was 18-years-old at the time and he was aged 20.

Mrs Cracknell was working as a housekeeper and her husband was a gamekeeper at Bucklesham.

They married three years later, at Chillesford, near Orford, when Mr Cracknell was serving in the forces. Some years later the couple spent a short while at Purdis Heath before finally settling in a bungalow in Levington Rd, Bucklesham.

Sadly, Mr Cracknell died more than 20 years ago.

Mrs Cracknell celebrated her special day with a party at Felixstowe Ferry. Her other daughter Peggy 78, her three grandchildren, Robert, 45; Jennifer, 48; and Andrew, 46 and six great-grandchildren joined in the celebrations.

The matron of the residential home, Margi Meyer, 45, said: "May does very well and is still very capable doing some things for herself. She likes a good laugh and enjoys watching quizzes and the news on the television."