A SPECIAL tea party was held in Alvechurch to celebrate the birthday of Ivy who has turned 102.
The event was organised by the Bromsgrove and Redditch branch of Contact the Elderly which puts on monthly tea parties across the two towns.
Despite being a centenarian, Ivy is a remarkable lady, still handling most of her shopping, cooking and housework and the organisers of the tea party said she was ‘charming and still as bright as a button’.
Zoe, the host made a special effort and cooked lots of favourites, including scones with cream and jam and sausage rolls.
Ivy also had a special birthday cake and Sharron, the co-ordinator of that group, presented her with a bottle of sherry and a bouquet from the volunteers.
Sharron said: “Well Ivy made me smile when I handed her the sherry – she said ‘I’ve already had a glass and that’s what keeps me so well.”
Sharron added “Volunteering with Contact the Elderly is the most rewarding thing I’ve done within the 25 years I have worked as a carer.
“To have so many dedicated people offering the support of hosting, driving and organising is amazing.
“The pleasure the tea parties make is second to none and to see a smile or a dance, when all the groups get together, is the best feeling in the world – it is priceless. On Sunday 6 of our group 4 guests attended.
As well as the tea party, the older people also got to meet chickens in the garden, the cat Harold and Zoe’s baby Samuel who sang and got lots of attention.
Contact the Elderly needs companies to sponsor the tea parties.
Anyone wanting to find out more about sponsorship or volunteering can call Alan on 07956 301299 or the Standard on 01527 588657.
