It is not just the First World War that is marking its centenary this summer.

Romford Recorder: Hornchurch Nursing Centre held a 100th birthday party for Ivy Matthews as well as a vintage tea party that commemorated WW1. Ivy Matthews with her card from the Queen.Hornchurch Nursing Centre held a 100th birthday party for Ivy Matthews as well as a vintage tea party that commemorated WW1. Ivy Matthews with her card from the Queen. (Image: Archant)

Ivy Matthews, who lives at the Hornchurch Nursing Centre, celebrated her 100th birthday last weekend with a vintage tea party complete with entertainment that wouldn’t be out of place in 1914.

The nursing home manager, Vivian Wood, said: “Ivy is a fun-loving lady and is always the life and soul of the party.

“She loves a drink, loves a laugh and loves going to the Railway hotel on station lane for lunch.”

Mrs Matthews lived in Harold Hill for most of her life after being born in Stoke Newington.

She was married for sixty years and now has two children, four grandchildren, six great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

The party was organised as a surprise by the nursing home staff and Mrs Matthews’ family who all came to spend the day with her.