AT THE wonderful age of 102, retired schoolteacher Ivy May Freemantle is believed to be the oldest person to have enjoyed a Christmas lunch in Newcastle Emlyn this year.

Born in 1914 in Jersey, Ivy, joined her great nephews, David and Gareth Thomas for a traditional Christmas dinner — just as she has done for the past 30 years.

Up until three years ago, Ivy, who now lives in the Midlands, used to drive her 1.2 Nova the 150 miles to Newcastle Emlyn for the family gathering, but she now relies on her niece Irene and husband Alan to collect her.

“Christmas has become a lot more commercial,” said Ivy.

“When I was young, even having fruits like oranges was a treat.

“There would be one toy, a doll, or I loved having books. Books were a lot more expensive in real terms than now.

“Christmas also involved going to church at least twice on the day.”

And it is not just the presents being delivered that Ivy has seen change.

“It was chicken for Christmas dinner, but that was a luxury meal,” she said.

“We didn’t usually have chicken at any other time of the year.

“Father always carved the meat, a tradition that seems to have had lapsed.

“Christmas cards sent in an unsealed envelope could be posted right up to the day before Christmas Eve and would always arrive on time.

“There was a lot more socialising, going around carol singing with the Guides and the Rangers.”

Niece Irene is delighted to invite Ivy into her family home and enjoys hearing her reminiscing about the past, especially tales of Christmases gone by.

“Today’s young people don’t seem to meet up in the same way,” said Irene.

“She was the second child of four and her little brother is still well at the age of 96.

“She spends each Christmas with us, thankfully.”.

Gareth is very fond of his great aunt and often travels to see her on weekends.

He said: “I adore her.

“She is charismatic, funny and full of energy.

“She has a really good memory and is very independent and still lives on her own.

“I enjoy hearing her talk about her past especially her time spent as a teacher during the Second World War where she and the school children were evacuated to Cwmcarn during the bombings.”

Ivy loves visiting her family in Wales where there is always a warm welcome awaiting her.