On February 5, the Bermuda High School celebrated the 100th birthday of alumna, class of 1927, Mrs. Clarice Lindley. Mrs. Lindley is a spirited woman who keeps her mind and body very active.

Born in the UK on January 30th, 1910, Mrs. Lindley spent the first years of her life in Bermuda.

At five years, Mrs. Lindley was determined to go to school; however, the family lived in St. George's, making daily commutes impractical.

Her parents decided to have her attend "The Convent" (Mount Saint Agnes), as this was the only school on the island that housed boarders.

Every Monday morning, Mrs. Lindley was put in a "horse-drawn bus", as she called it, and sent off to school, not returning home until Friday evening.

After the outbreak of the First World War, her father enlisted in the Canadian military, and the family followed him to Canada.

They returned to Bermuda in 1921, and Mrs. Lindley was enrolled at the Bermuda High School (BHS).

She travelled to school by pedal bike. Mrs. Lindley pointed out the smaller class sizes, co-educational lower grades and absence of uniform; however, she added they were strict with regards to maintaining an appropriate dress code.

She noted the whole school would come together for a prayer at assembly each morning before classes started.

At 15, she moved to Boston to study at the New England Conservatory of Music, performing with the orchestra.

She played on the Early Radio Broadcast (T.J. Wadson's), which was Bermuda's first radio station.

Mrs. Lindley has even sat on stage with Fritz Kreisler, a world-renowned violinist, and met George Gershwin, an acclaimed American composer.

Mrs. Lindley also was a Girl Guide, which would later lead her into providing an admirable amount of community service, such as being a "Pink Lady" at the hospital, helping KBB (Keep Bermuda Beautiful) when it first started up, and serving meals to the American and British troops at the Hamilton Hotel during the Second World War. Mrs. Lindley worked as a musician in New York.

On New Year's Eve of 1930, she married Captain Ronald Lindley.

The couple spent the next nine months sailing on the Katherine May, a 224 foot-long commercial schooner.

They travelled as far North as Prince Edward Island, and as far South as Venezuela.

She had many stories to share, one of which included a pair of goats originally brought aboard the ship for fresh meat, but ending up much loved pets of the crew, making mischief wherever they went.

The one goat still alive upon the ship's return to Bermuda became the mascot of the Bermuda Regiment.

In 1931, Mr. and Mrs. Lindley opened Lindley Brother's Shoe Store, on Front Street.

A sharp and independent woman, she claims the secret to her longevity is keeping the brain and body active

She added that moderation is key, and you should never have too much of anything.

Mrs. Lindley stays active by playing bridge twice a week, attending lectures held at the Bermuda College, doing Tai-Chi to music and walking.

She also enjoys swimming in the warmer months. Her caregiver reads the newspaper to her, cover to cover, every day.

Mrs. Lindley advises Bermuda's youth, "Keep studying. Education is so important. Do not give up school. Never stop learning."

When asked what her greatest achievement was, Mrs. Lindley modestly responded, "Thoroughly enjoying life."

She showed me a signed birthday card Queen Elizabeth personally sent her in recognition of her 100th birthday, which she was delighted to have received.

Mrs. Lindley is truly an inspiration to us all.