A MEMBER of an old Settle family who now lives in Gargrave has celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends, some coming from as far away as Australia and South Africa.

Lillian Clark, originally from Fleetwood, moved to Settle in 1909, living briefly in Church Street before moving to Ribble Terrace.

She attended Settle Girls' High School until 1918 and then went to Bingley Teacher Training College.

Here, her interest in art flourished and she spent a lot of time in the art room. She had the chance to go to the Royal College of Art in London but family pressures meant she could not take up the offer.

Lillian began her teaching profession at Cross Flatts school in Leeds where she taught a huge class of 62 boys, aged 10 and 11, for five years.

In 1927, she returned to Ribble Terrace and taught for a year at Giggleswick before becoming head of High Bentham primary school in 1929, a post she held for 32 years until retiring in 1961.

During her stewardship there she oversaw many innovations including carol services, harvest festivals and tree planting around the school yard. She was also treasurer of the local branch of the National Union of Teachers.

A very accomplished watercolour artist, Lillian became one of the earliest members of Clapham Art Group and exhibited for many years at the annual exhibition. She was also involved in judging the Best Kept Village competition for most of the 1960s and 1970s, and has had a life-long involvement with Giggleswick Parish Church.

Her sister, Elsie, who also pursued a teaching career, moved up from Bristol to live with Lillian in Settle and the two sisters spent their retirement together. Together they were a familiar sight in Settle in their Morris Minor car. They also spent time touring the Dales, the Lake District and Scotland where many of Lillian's watercolours were inspired.

A celebration party with around 50 guests was held for her at Bell House, Gargrave, home of her cousin, Donald Clark, where she received many cards and flowers.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.