Phyllis Knapman blowing out her candles on her 102nd birthday. Picture: Tony Gay

Muswell Hill’s Phyllis celebrates 102 wonderful years

by Flora Drury Friday, May 18, 2012
7:00 AM

A Muswell Hill woman born days after the Queen’s grandfather ascended to the throne has celebrated her 102nd birthday.

Phyllis Knapman was the centre of attention as she celebrated her birthday on Friday, surrounded by family and friends at Spring Lane Care Home, Fortis Green.

Miss Knapman, who has lived through an astounding 19 different Prime Ministers, was born in Wood Green in 1910, just two years before her neighbour died in the Titanic disaster, and lived there until she was evacuated to Exeter during the Second World War.

In the 1920s and 30s she mixed with screen stars while working at the London Palladium, and remembers spotting zeppelins flying over the capital.

Later she became a “keen” seamstress and - as a committed Christian who still attends church each Sunday – embarked on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in her 80s.

Best friend Marilyn Catteril said: “She is wonderful to talk to – she has led a wonderful life.

‘‘She never complains and always has a smile on her face. Everybody loves her everywhere she goes.”

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