'Remarkable' Northampton woman 'adored by all' reveals secret to a long life after turning 109

Joyce Wooding pictured on her 109th birthday with her card from HM The Queen.

Joyce Wooding was joined by her nearest and dearest as she received another special card from the Queen, in recognition of her landmark 109th birthday on Sunday.

Joyce moved to to Collingtree Park Care Home in April 2018 from Wootton - and at the incredible age of 109, she is thought to be the oldest person in Northamptonshire.

To mark the occasion, she was treated to a champagne reception and tucked into a birthday cake, which was homemade by the home’s chef Julie Collingwood.

Joyce pictured in her younger days around the time she became a nanny.

Joyce was born in Staverton, near Daventry, on September 6, 1911 to a farming family where she lived with her mum, dad, two brothers and sister - which she thinks was the foundations for a happy upbringing.

She said: “The secret to long life is home cooked meals and fresh produce, being brought up on the farm and mum cooking all the meals from scratch.”

Joyce trained as a Norland Nanny in London and worked as such for a number of years. On Sunday, she even had a visit from Miriam, who Joyce looked after as baby.

After meeting her husband Leslie, who she married in 1946, they worked together at their overall manufacturing business in Northampton, where Joyce ran the shop for many years.

Leslie, who was originally a motor engineer, was enlisted in 1917 in the Army before he was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps where he flew missions over London and in France towards the end of World War One.

During their married life, they moved to Wootton where they became active members of the community - and Joyce is still visited now by her ex-village pals at the care home.

Natalie Norman, general manager of Barchester Collingtree Park Care Home, added: “We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable lady as she reaches this amazing milestone.

"Joyce is such a popular resident who always has an interesting tale to tell, we look forward to hearing many more.

"Joyce has the most infectious smile and is adored by us all. We are all so privileged to have been able to share her special day with her.

"Joyce thoroughly enjoyed her day and couldn’t wait to put her card from the Queen on display in her bedroom with all of the others she has."