Milton Keynes Council's oldest resident is 100 years young - and still tends her garden!

Ivy, a resident of the council’s Putman House sheltered accommodation was surrounded by friends and family to mark the occasion, which makes her the council’s oldest tenant.

Ivy is the head of five generations of her family which includes five children, 15 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren. She has lived in Milton Keynes since 1955 when her family relocated from London for her husband’s work. They were the first family to live on Castles estate in West Bletchley.

Sociable Ivy, who looks much younger than her years, still does her own laundry, tends to her beloved garden and, up until last week, did her own shopping. She collects thimbles, although with over 2,500, she admits she could do with some help to dust them all!

When asked the secret of a long and happy life, Ivy said: “Never being miserable!”

On celebrating her birthday in MK’s 50th year, Ivy said commented: “It’s a lovely place to live. We came here in the very early days so we saw the whole town grow up around us. Putman House is one of the best places I’ve lived, everyone – carers and residents – are so friendly.”

Helen Butler, sheltered housing manager, said: “Ivy is a fabulous resident to have around. She is always cheerful and very outgoing. She’s been a sheltered housing tenant with us for 25 years which is amazing. It’s an honour to be celebrating such a milestone with her at Putman House.