The 100th birthday of Gretton resident Mrs Ivy Woolston took place on Friday when members of her family from as far as America joined this remarkable lady in celebration.
Ivy was born into a Geddington farming family and attended a private girls school.
In 1923 the headmistress of that school formed a Women's Institute in Geddington and enrolled all her girls.
Ivy joined the group at the tender age of 17 and r
emained a member until her marriage in 1936, when she moved to a farm in Gretton.
A Womens Institute was formed in Gretton in 1941 and Ivy joined up, thus continuing her membership which has now extended to 82 years, making her one of the longest serving WI members in the country.
The day after her birthday, seventy five close friends were invited by Ivy to join her at her bungalow where, thanks to the glorious weather, people were able to be in the garden that Ivy still tends.
There was a further surprise when on Monday members of Gretton WI and The British Legion Women's Section, of which Ivy has been a life member for many years, joined forces to celebrate with a tea party in the village hall.
Some 50 or so people attended and yet another birthday cake was presented.
In her speech Ivy thanked everyone for attending and said how happy she was to be amongst so many friends and family.
Ivy keeps in good health and cooks a main meal and pudding for herself every day.
Her family of three surviving daughters one son, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren can be considered lucky to have such a remarkable lady in their family.
Church Services St James Church has Holy Communion at 9am this Sunday
The Baptist Chapel has the Morning Service and Children`s Club at 9.45am and an Evening Service at 6pm. Gretton Fellowship meet at 30 High Street at 5pm.
Flower Power The 34th annual flower festival at St James Church is at the end of the month on June 27 to the 29.
The theme for flowers this year is "The Saints", so get ready to go marching in for a great family day out with so much going on.
Highlights include lunches and teas at the Old School House, barbeque on the village green, and stalls along the church path selling cakes, produce, plants, tombola and the big raffle.
Gretton Silver Band will perform on Sunday afternoon.
The finale is a service of praise and thanksgiving on the Sunday evening at 6.30pm.
The flower festival is the major fund-raising event in St James' calendar and it is also a delightful weekend in a rural setting.
Donations of produce and goods for the stalls selling cakes, books, plants and bottles are needed.
And helping hands are also required, as much or as little time as you can provide.
Please contact Cinzia Serena on 770728.
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