Teignbridge’s oldest resident, a woman from Bishopsteignton, is celebrating her 107th birthday today.

Iris Scott, known as Poppy, has lived through two world wars, two pandemics and a technological revolution. She plans to celebrate quietly with friends and family. She is particularly looking forward to her birthday cake, which will be made by one of her former carers, Rob, and his wife. ‘I like anything chocolatey,’ Poppy said. Although daughter, Kenna Loft, said she’s also partial to a Victoria sponge.

A cockney by birth, Poppy was born in the east end of London on June 11 1917. She was one of three girls. One of her sisters shares her long-life genes and, at 104 years old, is catching up with Poppy in the number of Royal Family birthday cards they have received.

Bishopsteignton resident Poppy Scott who reached the impressive age of 107 years young this week
Bishopsteignton resident Poppy Scott who reached the impressive age of 107 years young this week. (Steve Pope/MDA)

Poppy moved to Dawlish and then Teignmouth in the 1970s before joining her daughter in Bishopsteignton in the 90s.

Poppy puts the secret of her long life down to having lots of interests. ‘You must have a hobby,’ she said. ‘Because when you start working on something you don’t want to stop.’

As a young woman, she was mad about cars. She drove ‘the bug’, a Bugatti former racing car, and ‘the besa’, a three-wheel BSA. She also played the violin and enjoyed going to the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.

Bishopsteignton resident Poppy Scott who reached the impressive age of 107 years young this week. Collect image of Poppy with a Bugatti in the late 1930s
Bishopsteignton resident Poppy Scott who reached the impressive age of 107 years young this week. Collect image of Poppy with a Bugatti in the late 1930s (Steve Pope/MDA)

Needlecrafts have always been a favourite. ‘She has a strong creative side,’ said daughter Kenna. She always made her own clothes and kitted her children out in her handmade attire as well. And, despite getting married during the Second World War when fabric rations were limited, she handcrafted a stunning, floor-length white dress for her wedding to her beloved Bob, who sadly died at the age of 51.

Bishopsteington resident Poppy Scott who reached the impressive age of 107 years young this week. Collect image of Poppy on her wedding day in 1942
Bishopsteington resident Poppy Scott who reached the impressive age of 107 years young this week. Collect image of Poppy on her wedding day in 1942 (Steve Pope/MDA)

Later, she took up crochet and designed quirky walking stick covers and hats made from video tape and plastic bags.

Crochet hat made from videotape - upcycling
Poppy crocheted this hat out of old video tape (Jo Bowery / MDA)

Poppy also believes a vegetarian diet has contributed to her long life. Although she admits that the half pint of Guinness she drank every lunchtime when working for Arthur Guinness in London, might also have contributed to her lifespan.

Keeping active is a key part of Poppy’s regime. She does exercise therapy twice a week with Jason from JStep. ‘Poppy had a fall after her birthday last year and broke some ribs and then suffered with some infections,’ Kenna said. ‘Jason has been instrumental in getting her back on her feet.’

Her team of carers also play a vital role in keeping Poppy going. ‘The support and kindness she receives from her team of carers is amazing. The energy they put into into keeping her spirits up is incredible,’ Kenna said.

Even her name is derived from her active, fesity and determined personality. Iris gained the moniker Poppy as a baby. Her uncle Charlie had returned from the First World War and commented that her constant kicking feet reminded him of a pop gun. So she became pop, which, over time, softened into Poppy.