Ivy is Queen for a day at Coven Court

When we wanted a celebrity to formally open our new-look facilities at Coven Court, we didn’t have far to look. As our longest residing tenant, Ivy Payton, 94, was the obvious choice.

“Ivy has lived at Coven Court since 1981 and has done a huge amount to create the strong sense of community there,” said Care Plus director of care Les Clarke. “In her time she has run keep fit classes and her famous baked pies raised hundreds of pounds for good causes. She even met her second husband, Frank, when they were both very involved with the volunteering activities at Coven Court.

“When we asked residents who they would like as the guest of honour at their special occasion, they suggested Ivy and she made the perfect VIP.”

Ivy cut the ribbon revealing a new-look communal lounge and kitchen area at Coven Court, part of an improvement project which has also included decoration and carpeting in corridors. She also presided over a strawberry cream tea that afternoon, in celebration of the Queen’s 90th birthday.

“It was a lovely surprise and such an honour to be asked to cut the ribbon. I feel as though I have been Queen for the day!” Ivy said. “The new lounge looks lovely and bright. I hope that it will help to bring people together because that is so important. Life is short and we should make the most of it. I’ve made lots of friends here – I expect half of the people here today will end up at my bungalow for a party afterwards!”

A raffle and sale of homemade cakes at the event raised £155 which will be used to provide new garden furniture for the courtyard at Coven Court.