YOU did it – bumper postbag to mark former Leighton Buzzard pub landlady’s 100th birthday
An appeal to make Irene Hewett’s birthday extra special exceeded all expectations when she received not 100 – but 254 birthday cards.
We asked readers to back a campaign by the town’s Leighton Rose care home in Hockliffe Road to help Irene receive at least 100 cards for her 100th birthday.
Irene, who moved to the home in February 2025, marked her milestone birthday on May 8 with a special congratulatory message from the King and Queen.
Staff at the home said Irene, who used to run the town’s Wheatsheaf pub, really enjoyed her big day – and were delighted at the response with so many people making it even more special by sending in cards to not only achieve the magic 100 – but helping her receive 254 cards.
Spokesperson Kelly Cox, said: “We started a campaign at the beginning of April to get Irene 100 birthday cards for her birthday. You helped us with an article to generate as many cards as we could.
“With the help of the community, we managed to get 254 cards for her, with one special card from the King and Queen, which was presented to her by Mayor David Bligh.
“We had a day full of celebrations with visitors all day, including the children of Kiddi Caru Nursery, the current landlady of the Wheatsheaf Pub, where Irene was once landlady and the Mayor. We were entertained by The Blighty Belles in the afternoon with traditional 1940s music.”
Morrison's in Leighton Buzzard, Irene’s favourite place to shop, also kindly donated decorations, balloons and tablewear for the party.