Ivy proves that it is never too late

Ninety five-year-old great great-grandmother Ivy Geeson has added some sparkle to her life – by learning the craft of jewellery-making.

She became interested in the hobby while watching The Jewellery Channel and decided to order some materials for making jewellery at home.

But when the stock arrived she realised she did not really know what to do with it so she and her daughter Pat Eich (70) enrolled in a six-week course run by West Notts College at Kirkby Library.

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Said Ivy: “I was pleased because I had already bought all the materials and it meant Pat could help me put them to use. We really enjoyed the course. I made new friends and I enjoyed learning something new.

“Learning to make things yourself gives you a sense of pride.”

Daughter Pat said: “As well as the creative process, it was nice to spend time with mum doing something a bit different because she gets bored and frustrated at home.

“The tutor made everybody feel really welcome and nothing was too much trouble for her. She was an excellent teacher.”

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Mother and daughter now use their newly-acquired skills to assemble jewellery together at Ivy’s home, including unique gifts for family and friends.

“We have the occasional artistic difference but we agree to disagree,” said Pat.

Peter Rowley, the college’s team leader for adult and community education, said: “Ivy is a true inspiration and her attendance shows that age is no barrier to learning.”