Crewe Comes Out in Force for Ivy’s 105th

Crewe Comes Out in Force for Ivy’s 105th

Celebrating another year is always a joyous occasion but perhaps few birthdays are as special as sharing one with your hometown, as Crewe’s Ivy Hart marked her 105^th surrounded by a haul of well wishes from the community.

Ivy enjoyed her big party on Sunday 15 December with her family, friends and a heartening 270 cards after carers at her home, Belong Crewe, put a callout to locals in a bid to make the centenarian’s milestone day her best one yet. After the request spread via social media and word of mouth, the team surprised their resident with the remarkable outcome of the appeal.

Speaking of the moment, Ivy said: “For me, my age is just a number, and the number just keeps getting bigger. I’ve lived a very long life, and I believe it’s all about being happy and enjoying what you do and what you’ve got.”

More contributions came from young friends at nearby Pebble Brook Primary School, with pupils providing their rendition of Happy Birthday. Live entertainment followed, as did the presentation of gifts and a special cake whipped up by the village’s in-house bistro team. Also joining the fun, Crewe Town Mayor, Cllr Dawn Clark dropped by to share her favourite Ivy stories, having known her for a number of years.

Born into a world coming to the terms with the impact of WWI, Ivy has seen no fewer than five monarchs and 23 prime ministers, and perhaps most befitting of her character, just days after her birth came a new act of parliament enabling women to join professional bodies, sit on juries and be awarded degrees.

Fiercely independent, it was following the sad and sudden death of her husband George when Ivy moved to Abergele, north Wales, dedicating her time to her dogs and singing in local choirs. She later returned to Crewe to train as a teacher, supporting boys with learning difficulties. She resided in her home until earlier this year, when she chose to move to Belong Crewe, the not-for-profit dementia specialist on Brookhouse Drive.

Ivy joins a very small club of approximately 600 people of the same age or older in England & Wales¹, the last surviving of those born before the 1920s.

Organiser of the event, Belong Crewe experience coordinator, Jessica Butler, commented: “Our beautiful Ivy is very dear to us, and we wanted everyone to share in her day and give her a nice surprise.

“Her sight and hearing aren’t what they used to be and so she was delighted to receive so many with bold colours and some even featuring music. We’ve had a fantastic response and we’re very grateful for everyone who’s made Ivy’s day special for her.”

More information about Belong can be found at www.belong.org.uk or by emailing enquiries@belong.org.uk