Gladys turns ‘100 years young’

Gladys is a firm believer that fresh air is the secret to a long and healthy life and would often sit outside for hours at the patio in the home.

During World War II, Gladys lived in Claudy, when her family were evacuated from their home in Belfast.

She lived at Moorfield Street in Belfastfor many years and married Robert on March 31, 1951.

The couple had one daughter, Helen, and three granddaughters.

Gladys worked for the Civil Service and at Plessey in Ballynahinch. She also volunteered for the RNIB and received a 30-year long service award.

Although her birthday was on Sunday, August 30, it was celebrated both on Friday and Sunday.

As well as receiving a telegram from the Queen, she received many presents from friends and family, among them a red outfit and bouquets of flowers.

Irish dancers performed for her during the party at the home on Friday and another family party at her daughter’s Hillsborough home on Sunday

Gladys is now looking forward to a well deserved day trip to Newcastle.

Lisburn Mayor Thomas Beckett said he was pleased to meet Gladys, whom he presented with a bunch of flowers.

“Mayoral engagements such as this one are very important to me,” he said, “as I so enjoy meeting people of all ages and from all different walks of life.

“It is an achievement of course to celebrate being 100 years young and I was made so welcome by Gladys who deservedly was the centre of attention on her very special birthday.”