A spirited great-grandmother from Harrogate has shared her delightful secret to a long and happy life after celebrating her 101st birthday with family, afternoon tea, and her favourite fizzy drink.
A Century of Fizz: Joyce's Lifelong Habit
Joyce Lynas, who now lives in Boroughbridge, attributes her remarkable longevity to a simple daily ritual: a glass of lemonade. This tradition began when she was just eight years old, after her mother introduced her to homemade lemonade. "I can still remember the taste today," Joyce fondly recalled. "Ever since then I have had a glass a day - I like most lemonades, but the clear variety is my favourite."
From Farm to Factory: A Life of Varied Work
Born in Sicklinghall, Joyce's working life began on the Harewood Estate, where she helped her father milk cows. She later moved to a shoe shop in Wetherby, a job she particularly enjoyed. "I really enjoyed measuring the children's feet for their new shoes," she said. Her career path then led her to a role as a supervisor at a toy factory on the Thorpe Park Trading Estate, where she was responsible for checking toys were correctly assembled.
Joyce's family has grown to include two children, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Her son, James, and daughter, Jennifer, joined her for the special birthday celebration at her home.
Staying Independent with a Little Help
Since August 2021, carers from Springfield Healthcare North Yorkshire have visited Joyce daily, assisting with personal care and enabling her to remain in her own home. Jemma Ellis, service lead from the care provider, commented: "We loved celebrating Joyce's big birthday with her and her family. Joyce is never without a glass of lemonade and she always offers us a glass whenever we visit her at home."
James added his gratitude, saying, "Thank you to the team at Springfield Healthcare for organising such a memorable afternoon for mum."
Even at 101, Joyce maintains a vibrant zest for life. Her hobbies include dancing, knitting, bingo, and even ironing. And she's already looking to the future, declaring, "if I live to 102, I would love to see the world from above in a hot air balloon."
