‘Lovely’ soul Ivy celebrates her 106th birthday

Surrounded by family, Ivy Soul celebrated her 106th birthday last Thursday.

Having lived in the Summerlea Nursing Home, in East Street, Littlehampton, since her husband, Geoffrey, fell ill in 2001, Ivy has become a much-loved resident.

Kirstie McNair, head of care at Summerlea Nursing Home, said: “She was surrounded by her family and friends, and was happy and bright.

“She’s a lovely lady, we are just happy and lucky to have her. She’s doing really well.

“A nice day was had by all, she had cake and presents from her family. They are integral in her care. They come weekly and have lunch with her.”

In addition to her loving family, music has also always been important to Ivy.

She attended the Guildhall School of Music, where she became an acclaimed pianist and continued to play the instrument well into her 80s.

Ivy also sang in a choir conducted by Planets composer Gustav Holst and was the secretary of a folk-dance committee. It was with this group she met her husband Geoffrey, at Cecil Sharp House, London, the headquarters of the English Folk Dance and Song Society.