A local resident, who has devoted her life to helping others, has celebrated her 100th birthday at a Ledbury care home.

Devout Christian, Ivy Yoakley, was joined by friends, family and local Baptist minister Reverend Ian Sim at Ledbury Nursing Home to mark the special anniversary.
Born in Redmarley, Gloucestershire, Mrs Yoakley first came to Ledbury to attend the grammar school in the 1920s. Leaving school at the age of 14, with no jobs available in the local area, Mrs Yoakley moved to London and took on a role as a kitchen maid, later meeting her husband, Joe.
As well as her faith, Mrs Yoakley’s passions included cooking and gardening, and she also devoted time to volunteer for charity, including the Salvation Army. Through their connections with the church, the couple also took in many people who needed temporary accommodation, including workers from the local hospital and students who had left home.

After having two children, the couple moved to Ledbury in 1963 to care for Mrs Yoakley’s elderly mother, joining the congregation and becoming stewards at the Ledbury Baptist Church. After her husband’s death in the early 1990s, she continued living in the town, before moving to Ledbury Nursing Home last year at the age of 99.

Mrs Yoakley was joined for the celebration by staff from the nursing home, her son and daughter-in-law who had travelled over from New Zealand, family from Devon, members of her ‘church’ family and old friends and neighbours. She opened her official card from the Queen before being treated to her favorite sweet treat – a lemon curd birthday cake – and revealing that her secret to longevity was “having Jesus in her life”.

Anita Kinnear, activities champion at Ledbury Nursing Home, said: “Ivy’s been an absolute treat to have in the home since moving here last year. Despite her advanced years, she hasn’t lost her energy or wit, and often entertains residents and staff with a hymn sing-a-long.
“I’m proud to have played a part in these celebrations and hope that Ivy, her friends and family enjoyed it as much as I did.”

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