STONEHOUSE’s oldest resident celebrated her 108th birthday at the weekend.

Joyce Coates, who has lived through women getting the vote, the discovery of penicillin and two world wars, was joined by friends and staff of Regency Care Home for an afternoon tea party on Saturday, October 27.

Her twin nieces, Jackie and Jill, had paid a visit in the morning.

Aside from cake to eat, Joyce had a fifth card from the Queen to open, having received one on her 100th birthday and each year since she turned 105.

 

The Queen has now sent five cards to Joyce. Photos: Simon Pizzey

Joyce has lived in Stonehouse since she was born there in 1910 - at the time George V was king and Herbert Henry Asquith was prime minister - and for twenty years ran a hairdressers called Annette's on the High Street.

 

Joyce as a young child

Her father had owned a cobblers shop in front of the family home - Joyce moved in to a house next door with the love of her life Len, a farmer who also lived in Stonehouse.

 

Joyce (centre-right) on her wedding day

He passed away 30 years ago and the couple never had children but they were happily married for many years.

Joyce has never been abroad, instead preferring Torquay as her favourite holiday destination.

She moved into Regency Care Home in 2008 and has always got on well with the dedicated staff.

The secret to her long life are her genes, she says.

Everyone at the SNJ would like to wish Joyce a very happy birthday.

 

Joyce as a young woman