Ivy reaches 100

Ivy, a resident of Eridge House, shares the Queen's birthday as well as being born in the year the bra made its debut, in 1907.

A party was held for her with family, friends and residents who helped celebrate this amazing occasion and enjoyed a special cake from Earl's Bakery.

Daughter Sheila Endersby, of Jevington Close, said: "I felt very proud. I am her only child and even now I still have to behave myself. A couple of old lads in the home call her 'Duchess' because it all has to be just right, but she is a very placid, gentle person."

Ivy was born in Croydon and married Fred Holdaway when she was 21. They were married for 60 years, living near the Crystal Palace.

"She moved to Battle when she was 84, and started a totally new life," said Sheila.

"I used to ask what she was doing, and she would say - I went to Battle Bonfire last night. It was not until she was 96 and she stood on a stool to shut a window, and the stool slipped over, that she had to move. She has been incredible."

The party at Eridge House in Richmond Road was a great family occasion, and included grandsons Alistair and Spencer, as well as Sheila's husband Maurice who played keyboards and provided musical entertainment.

Also there on Saturday were Ivy's former employers. Sheila said: "She worked for dentists for many years, and brought up their children while they were in practise.

They are now in their 80s, and they drove all the way with their two children from Fordingbridge near Salisbury to be there at the party. People are amazing - they were so generous."

Picture by Sue Jackson of Bexhill Photographic.