'Good living, good fun and having a good laugh': Ivy celebrates 100th birthday with a sing-song

Wakefield’s Ivy Dobson was showered with cards, gifts and a special message from the King and Queen as she celebrated a milestone birthday.

Ivy, a resident at West Ridings Care Home in Outwood, celebrated turning 100 on January 22.

Ivy from Stanley, enjoyed working for a wool manufacturing company called Patons and Baldwins on the knitting machines and said that ' you worked your way up'.

When she retired she did cleaning jobs, even cleaning in the local pub.

Ivy was thrilled with her card from the King and Queen as she celebrated her 100th birthday.placeholder image
Ivy was thrilled with her card from the King and Queen as she celebrated her 100th birthday.

Ivy married Keneth Dobson when she was 21 and they went on to have two children, Gwendoline and Keneth – which Ivy said were her best achievements.

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Ivy was over the moon with all her presents and cards, especially her card from the King and Queen and enjoyed a birthday party at the care home surrounded by her family and fellow residents.

To make the day extra special, singer Ukulele Henry made a special visit to fill the air with music and get everyone involved in a sing-song.

Singer Ukulele Henry entertained for Ivy's special day.placeholder image
Singer Ukulele Henry entertained for Ivy's special day.

The care home kitchen team made a beautiful buffet and delicious cupcakes and a special 100th birthday cake, and more sweet treats, were brought in by Ivy’s family for everyone to enjoy.

And Ivy’s secret to living to be 100 is simple – ‘good living, good fun and having a good laugh.’

"There’s no advice about living to 100 – only to have a good life, live day by day and plod on,” she said.

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