Family, friends, and neighbours came together to celebrate well-known Sheet resident Cynthia Baird’s 100th birthday.

Cynthia turned 100 at home in the village on 19 August 2025, after spending previous days visiting favourite places. Together with daughter Louise, she had a special trip to London – click here to read about their visit to the Australian High Commission, in honour of Cynthia’s landmark birthday & her family’s contribution to Australian international relations.

Recognised for her elegance and impeccable sense of style, and well-known for her charm and quick wit, Cynthia has lived in the village near Petersfield with her daughter Louise for the last six years after relocating from London.

Recognised for her elegance and impeccable sense of style, and well-known for her charm and quick wit, Cynthia has lived in the village of Sheet near Petersfield with her daughter Louise for the last six years after relocating from London.

Before this Cynthia lived a fascinating and wonderful life across the globe. She was born in Melbourne to parents Colonel and Mrs Hodgson in 1925. Her father’s work as a diplomat took the family oversees in 1945, serving as Australian Ambassador to France and Japan, then High Commissioner to South Africa in Cape Town until his retirement.

Jo Gray previously had the pleasure of interviewing Cynthia during the Platinum Jubilee. The family invited Jo to the centenarian’s celebration, held on a suitably sunny day in the garden. She couldn’t resist asking the golden question – what’s the secret to living to 100-years-old?