JOAN Honeychurch of Spreyton celebrated her 80th birthday with an afternoon tea party at the Waie Inn, Zeal Monachorum.

Although she requested donations in lieu of gifts she still received a number of presents, including flowers and the donations amounted to £330 for the British Heart Foundation and the Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

Joan was at Bawdenhays, Sandford, as Joan Pincombe and went to Sandford School, and in 1961 married Ray Honeychurch at Sandford Parish Church. The couple then moved to Spreyton.

Sadly Ray died some years ago, but Joan still lives in Spreyton.

She says her family, two daughters, a son-in-law, five grandchildren, three great grandchildren, two foster great grandchildren, a brother and his wife, a sister-in-law and her husband, all took her away for a weekend to a hotel with leisure facilities, in Somerset, which she said was “absolutely fabulous” and the grandchildren also took along an 80th bIrthday cake.

Joan then arranged for an afternoon tea at the Waie Inn for her family and many friends and other relations, when she welcomed around 80 guests.

This she said was another enjoyable event, seeing many old friends and she also took along a number of photographs including those of her marriage, that the staff displayed for her which caused a lot of interest and brought back memories.

She later cut her second birthday cake which was made by Angela Hawkins.

Joan said she had thoroughly enjoyed both parties and thanked everyone for their donations, as both the British Heart Foundation and the Devon Air Ambulance do so much good work.

She added it was a wonderful 80th birthday…with thanks to her family and everyone who had made it such a very special occasion.