A great-grandmother who has lived in Chiswick all her life was surrounded by family and friends to celebrate her 100th birthday.
Ivy Parker of Binns Road marked her centenary birthday at her home on Friday (29) and was chuffed to receive her card from The Queen.
Celebrations continued over the weekend as neighbours closed of the road and held a street party and barbecue in her honour, with well over 100 people attending on Sunday (31).
The mother-of-one took centre stage under the gazebo as friends came along to wish her a happy birthday, neighbours gifted her with a bottle of brandy, and members of the Shepherd's Bush Housing Association presented their eldest tenant with a cake.
Son, Raymond Parker, said: "She is marvellous and has looked after me all my life.
"Being born in the middle of the Second World War was difficult for us.
"She is a great mother and I would not swap her for the world."
Ms Parker was born in the borough on August 29, 1914 and was one of four children.
She had two sisters and one brother, and was married to John William Frances who one of her great-grandson's has been named after.
She has one son, two grandsons, two great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter.
Her career started at the age of 15 at the Cherry Blossom Shoe Polish factory and later moved to Reckitt and Coleman now known as Reckitt Benckiser, a consumer goods company, where she worked till her retirement at the age of 60.
Mr Parker said: "She would be an ideal candidate for neighbourhood watch as she looks out the front window all day, seeing everyone coming and going.
"She was a good cook and her lemon meringue pies and steak and kidney puddings were renowned.
"Ivy used to do a lot of knitting and one of her shawls is still in use after 47 years - she has knitted for a hospital premature baby unit but has recently stopped due to failing eyesight.
"I also have lots of jumpers and cardigans knitted over the years...and I'm still wearing some of them 30 years later."
Neighbours Jim and Frances Fowler, and Lyne, organised the barbecue party, on Sunday (31).
Mrs Fowler said: "She is an amazing lady - puts everyone to shame with her knowledge of Chiswick - a fantastic memory."
Another neighbour Susie Hilton, said among the people who turned up there was a lady who Ms Parker had knitted a baby blanket for when they had worked together at Cherry Blossom.
The woman came with her entire family and brought the blanket which is now used by her grandchildren.
Ms Hilton added: "I have lived in the road for 10 years - nothing on Ivy's 100 years - but she is certainly an exceptional lady and fantastic neighbour.
"She will always wave and want to stop for a chat.
"She always wants to know how you are.
"She's knitted me gloves for Christmas but best of all she has such a good heart and cares about everyone."
Another neighbour, Emmy Brown, added: "She has helped so many people - always cheerful and ready for a laugh."
