Community makes sure Ivy has memorable 100th birthday

A care home resident had a memorable 100th birthday despite lockdown – after the local community rallied round to send her cards and gifts to mark the occasion.

When Bamfield Lodge, near Hengrove Way, put an appeal on Facebook for local people to send cards to Ivy – they had no idea the response would be so high.

The aim was for her to receive 100 cards – but they just kept coming, not only from the local area – but as far away as Scotland, Ireland and Australia.

In total Ivy received 220 cards which staff had to help her open, as well as flowers, cakes and gifts.

Some of the cards were made by pupils from nearby Perry Court E-Act Academy, a primary School attended by some children from Knowle West.

In a statement Bamfield Lodge Care Home said Ivy had had a lovely birthday celebration.

” She had a socially distanced birthday party in the afternoon and received video messages from her family to make her birthday extra special for her. 

“Ivy received over 220 birthday cards and various different gifts from the local community which included flowers, a personalised pillow, crochet blanket, cupcakes and birthday cake. 

“Ivy would just like to thank everyone for thinking of her on her special day and for the wonderful cards and gifts she received, it certainly put a smile on her face and she was very grateful.”

• This is the second appeal the care home has made. In December the community were asked for activities for the residents – with an overwhelming response including carol singing from a Ilminster Avenue-E-Act Academy and Zoom chair exercise classes.