A CARD from the Queen, a visit from her MP and a gathering of family and friends from as far afield as Germany — Ida Stapleton from Okehampton certainly had a day to remember on Monday as she celebrated her 100th birthday.
Born at Merton, Mrs Stapleton started playing the organ at Merton Methodist Chapel at the age of 12 and loved spending time on the farm where her father worked. She was also a keen dancer and won several dancing competitions.
Farming later became her life when she married her husband Fred and together they ran a farm at West Anstey in North Devon before moving all around Devon.
They retired to Okehampton in 1966 and Mrs Stapleton moved into Kent House 18 months ago where she says she is very happy and the staff really make a fuss of her.
Mrs Stapleton's daughter Maureen Wooldridge said she had been a wonderful mother to her five children and a super grandmother to all her grandchildren.
'Mum is a very loving and caring person and people used to come and stay at the farm all the time,' she said. 'They used to come for one night and end up staying a lot longer not least because of her good old-fashioned cooking — nobody cooked a Sunday roast like mum.'
One of the highlights of the year for Mrs Stapleton is visiting the bluebell woods at Meldon and she is particularly delighted to be celebrating her century in the Queen's Golden Jubilee year.
'She thought it was lovely to have a card from the Queen as she is a big supporter of the Royal Family — Prince Charles is her favourite,' added Mrs Wooldridge.
Owner of Kent House, Anne How said Mrs Stapleton was an 'absolutely super' person who was always happy and smiling.
West Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett said: 'I came to give Ida my congratulations on reaching 100 — what a tremendous achievement,'
A toast was given at Kent House before a family party was held at North Tawton.