Guildfordian Ivy Ellis Celebrates Her 100th Birthday

Published on: 22 Aug, 2020
Updated on: 22 Aug, 2020

Guildfordian Ivy Ellis has celebrated her 100th birthday with a picnic with some of her best friends.

!00 years young! Ivy Ellis pictured with the birthday card she received from the Queen.

It took place in the garden at Dray Court sheltered housing where she lives; and by all accounts residents and special guests who attended had a great time.

Ivy when she was in the ATS during the Second World War.

Ivy was born and grew up in Abinger and during the Second World War she did her bit with the women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS).

Joining up at the age of 22 at Stoughton Barracks, she was later posted to a military convalescence home in Bedfordshire.

For many years she lived with her husband and family in Westborough and continues to be a popular visitor to the Park Barn Centre.

She has raised thousands of pounds for the British Heart Foundation (BHF), crocheting blankets and knitting baby clothes.

Ivy Ellis with one of the many blankets she has made that have helped raise thousands of pounds for the British Heart Foundation, and pictured with Shirley West.

Her good friend Shirley West, the fundraising organiser of the Guildford and Godalming Branch of the BHF, said: “Ivy is one of the best supporters we have ever had and is still knitting for us. The items she has alone has made have brought in £10,000 after being auctioned.

Ivy Ellis with Maggie Baker and Shirley West at the birthday picnic.

Shirley and fellow BHF fundraiser Nerina King attended the picnic that also included Maggie Baker, who also lives at Dray Court and did much of the organising for the afternoon event.