Three years ago you published a letter from me asking readers for information about Clarrie Price who died aged 105 in 1996.

She grew up in Quidhampton as one of a large family but long outlived them all and was buried in an unmarked grave in St John’s, Bemerton. Her life was marked by tragedy (two of her sisters drowned and another died of croup) but she kept her strong Christian faith and cheerful, ebullient character.

Several people said her presence ‘lit up the room’.

In her nineties she recorded ‘uplifting talks’ for Canadian radio.

For the last 30 years of her life she didn’t have a permanent home and lived in rooms in the houses of friends until she moved into Holmwood Care Home.

In her nineties she even spent some months sofa surfing.

Now a group of us have found Clarrie’s grave and, thanks to a generous donation from Canadian relatives, have raised most of the money for a headstone to commemorate her life and that of her three sisters, also buried in St John’s.

We would like to invite anyone who knew Clarrie and anyone who is interested in her story and in local history to come to a short service on Sunday, May 10 (the anniversary of her funeral).

It will be followed by a light buffet lunch and a display in the village hall about her life .

Contact Bea Tilbrook on 01722 742456 or bjtis@hotmail.co.uk if you would like to come.

We are still interested in collecting more information, memories and stories about Clarrie and donations toward the headstone will also be gratefully received.

The names of all donors will be recorded and the list will become part of the local history archive to be created in St John’s church.

Bea Tilbrook

Quidhampton