Pearls of wisdom from Ivy 105

Ivy Howard: 105 today

THE peculiar mixture of an occasional tot of sherry and a daily garlic pearl have proved the secret to a long life for Ivy Howard.

She celebrates her 105th birthday today, making her one of Oldham’s oldest residents. Born in Failsworth in 1906, at her aunt Ethel’s, Ivy was a child of the First World War and used to deliver food coupons and groceries in a wheelbarrow from her uncle’s shop in Drury Lane, singing as she went.

She met her husband, Elmer, at a dance at St Margaret’s Church Hall, Hollinwood, and the pair played together on the church tennis team.

They married in 1931 and had two children, Aileen and Kathleen. Kathleen lost her life to cancer aged 53. Elmer died 45 years ago, following which Ivy took up painting and pottery painting, showing her work off in local exhibitions. The family moved to Scouthead 66 years ago, where Ivy still lives with daughter Aileen (78) in Lower Turf Lane.

Sprightly Ivy started her birthday celebrations early, with a glass of sherry on Tuesday, a celebration with friends yesterday and today is hosting an open house for friends and family to pop in and share part of her special day.