A big birthday bash has been held to celebrate the centenary of a local celebrity. Val Ripley, The Dolls’ House Lady from Newport celebrated her 100th birthday in high style with more than 100 guests in the town’s Memorial Hall, which was transformed into a fairyland for the occasion. Miss Ripley owns and runs the Dolls’ House Museum Ty Twt in Newport’s Market Street.
This tiny museum houses a world-renowned collection of vintage toys and dolls’ houses. It is owned and run by Miss Ripley who is president of the Dolls’ House Society and regularly travels to London for meetings. Items from her collection have been featured on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow.
Guests-of-honour at the 100th birthday bash included Tim Thomas, Mayor of Newport and his daughter Elin, the Lady Mayoress. Also on the top table were Reg Atkinson and Jean Coyne, who are among a small army of volunteer helpers at The Dolls’ House Museum. Witty entertainment was provided by High IQ- comprising of Ian McMillan (artistic di-rector of the London Pops Orchestra) and Quentin Poole.
They performed a medley of songs by Miss Ripley’s favourite composers, Noël Coward and Ivor Novello. Quentin and Ian had written extra-special lyrics in honour of Val’s 100th birthday. Noted saxophonist Nick Hislam also provided jazz music during the celebrations.
Fittingly, a spectacular cake in the shape of a dolls’ house was made by Jen Rees. The cake was ceremonially cut by Robin Watson with an Admiral’s Sword which had be-longed to his father. Aiding and abetting him was the venerable Ted - a 117-year-old teddy bear which had belonged to Val’s mother.
A banquet of delicious food was provided by Miss Ripley’s neighbours, friends and relations with beautiful flower arrangements provided by Lucy Letten and friends. “This could only have happened in Newport,” said Miss Ripley. “Thank you so much for all your kindness, and for making it such a memorable 100th birthday party.
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