Yoga-loving great-grandmother marks 108th birthday

A great-grandmother has put her longevity down to good food and yoga as she marked her 108th birthday.

Joan Helen Dyke celebrated her special day on 30 March at Isle Court Nursing Home, in Bicton, Shropshire, with a glass of champagne while surrounded by family and staff.

A birthday card from King Charles and Queen Camilla, her fifth from the royal family, also took pride of place during the party.

Believed to be one of the oldest people in the UK, Mrs Dyke said she has had "such a good life" filled with many happy memories.

"I know that the busy life I enjoy here at Isle Court keeps me healthy in mind and body, and I particularly love the yoga – and the food," she said.

"It was lovely to celebrate my birthday with my loved ones around me, and many thanks to the caring team here at Isle Court for making it all happen."

Mrs Dyke was born in Shrewsbury in 1917 and became a nursery school teacher, but during World War Two she moved to the casualty unit at the Army Records Office.

As part of her role, she had to inform families when they had lost a loved one in combat.

She married Hugh Dyke, and the couple lived in various places across the UK, including Yorkshire, Newport and Whitchurch.

They had two daughters, and Mrs Dyke has since become a grandmother and a great-grandmother.

She has been a resident at Isle Court for six years, and the care home said she loved getting involved in activities, which include the movement-to-music and domino clubs.

Claire Harris, home manager at Isle Court, said: "Joan is a very popular member of the Isle Court family, and she still manages to take a full and active part in life at the home."

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