Ivy celebrates big day

A Bexhill woman who made a uniform worn to the Queen's coronation enjoyed a party to celebrate her 102nd birthday this week.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Mar 2016, 09:27 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 21:47 BST

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102 year old Ivy Beesley, Bexhill. SUS-160203-071658001102 year old Ivy Beesley, Bexhill. SUS-160203-071658001
102 year old Ivy Beesley, Bexhill. SUS-160203-071658001

Ivy Beesley marked the big day with a cream tea party at the Richmond Care Home in Collington Lane East, which was attended by the Bexhill Mayor.

Ivy was born in 1914 in Devon mansions, London, just before the first world war had started, her father died fighting in the war at the age of 25.

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She grew up in Bermondsey with her family, when as a young teen she became a Sunday school teacher, and carried on up until the age of 50.

Ivy also worked from the age of 14 with Hobsons Tailoring where she made uniforms for the best by hand, hand braiding and sewing up until her retirement.

Ivy, who still hand sews now. Ivy had also hand made the Son of the Queen of Tonga his uniform for our queen Elizabeth’s coronation, And a kilt for Princess Margaret as well as many more for the royal family.

Ivy lived with her sister for many years until they retired to Bexhill and now happily resides in Richmond Home.

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Activity Coordinator at Richmond Casey-Jay Cobby said: “Ivy enjoyed her birthday Cream Tea Party, and was amazed at our special guests the Mayor, and Mayoress of Bexhill.”

When asked what she owed a long life to, Ivy and the girls joked, ‘not being married!’.

The Richmond is part of the MHA charity, which was Founded by members of the Methodist Church back in 1943.

It provides care, accommodation and support services for more than 16,000 older people throughout Britainwith a mission to improve the quality of life of older people, inspired by Christian concern. A special feature of the MHA homes and schemes is the emphasis placed on the spiritual well-being of older people. For more details visit www.mha.org.uk.

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Related topics:BexhillQueenMayor