17 July 2026
Evelyn Royle celebrates 102nd birthday surrounded by family and friends
Evelyn Royle, a resident at Halcyon Court care home in Leeds, has celebrated her 102nd birthday with family, friends and a special afternoon tea.
Her celebrations began with a family gathering attended by her three children, nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, before a birthday cake and afternoon tea with fellow residents and colleagues at Halcyon Court.
Born Evelyn Ellis in Leeds on 13 July 1924, Evelyn attended West Leeds Girls School from the age of five until she was 16. During the Second World War, she was evacuated to Tadcaster for six months at the age of 15 before returning to continue her education.
At 16, Evelyn began her career at The Yorkshire Penny Bank in Bramley, Leeds, before later working in the offices of a steelworks in Stanningley, which produced munitions and heavy machinery.
Evelyn met the love of her life, Ken Royle, when she was 26. The couple were happily married for 43 years, raising three children together in Upper Armley.
After bringing up her family, Evelyn worked at Schofields department store in Leeds for 12 years before retiring at the age of 60.
A keen traveller throughout her life, Evelyn has visited America, Canada and Cambodia, making the trip to Cambodia at the age of 84. She has also been a lifelong cricket fan and enjoyed many visits to Headingley Cricket Ground.
Her daughter, Margaret, said her mother has “always been a very honest, kind and compassionate lady” who would never do anything to hurt anyone.
Andrea Gibson, Home Manager at Halcyon Court, added:
Evelyn has lived an incredible life full of wonderful experiences, and it has been a pleasure to celebrate her 102nd birthday with her family and friends. She is a much-loved member of our community, and everyone at Halcyon Court was delighted to mark this very special milestone with her.
