Bield centenarians

Doris, left, and Julia, with staff from Bield housing

BieldÕs Bumper Bicentennial Birthday Bash

Super senior citizen Doris Turnbull has celebrated her 100th birthday with the help of a special guest – her neighbour Julia Baird who also just turned 100.

Doris and Julia live in BieldÕs Church Court very sheltered housing development in Dumbarton and have lived side by side for the last 23 years.

Julia hit her landmark birthday on August 1, with Doris reaching her happy 100th today (August 14).

And the unique neighbours were the belles of the ball at a celebratory party for residents, staff and family at the development.

Remarkably, both residents have lived through two World Wars and four monarchs. Doris, who notably has memories of life during World War Two, said: ÒIt certainly wasnÕt a happy time however, we got through it with strength and determination.Ó

She also went on to describe her life in Dumbarton, saying: ÒFrom the age of 14 I worked in the local Cooperative as a counter server. It was a fantastic time and I have very fond memories.

ÒI got married at the age of 26 in 1928 which is one of the fondest memories of my life.

Doris attributes her longevity to the vibrant nature of her surroundings, adding: ÒItÕs fantastic here at Church Court, before I moved I was a little bit lonely but now I have so much company but live independently in my own flat.

ÒBield must be doing something right to have two residents turning 100 in the same month.Ó

Julia Baird, who had previously celebrated her birthday earlier in the month, had a party attended by local public figures such as Provost Douglas McAllister.

Hailing from Helensburgh, she has held many jobs in her time including a stint as a cook, a counter assistant for RossÕs Dairies, an assistant in RS McColl and also a service assistant for the local hospital, for more than six years.

JuliaÕs daughter, Anne Galloway, who travelled from Canada especially for the birthday celebration, is delighted to see her mum reach the milestone achievement.

She said: ÒEveryone had a wonderful time celebrating mums birthday and itÕs such a fantastic coincidence that Doris is also turning 100.

ÒMum has lived such a full life and has definitely been kept going with having three children, eight grand children and ten great grand children. That has definitely kept her on her toes.Ó

Family, friends, residents and staff were all on hand to help the pair celebrate the event with a spectacular party atmosphere Ð including live music, buffet food and plenty of cake.

Sandra Wilkie, Manager of BieldÕs Church Court, said: ÒItÕs great to celebrate such a milestone achievement. Both Doris and Julia have done so much in their lives. ItÕs heart warming to listen to their stories and what they have accomplished.

ÒTheir 100th birthdays are a perfect example of the Bield ethos, no matter your age you can still be independent and free spirited.Ó

Kathy Crombie, Communications and Marketing Manager at Bield, said: ÒJulia and DorisÕ 100th birthdays are a remarkable achievement – and a cause for much celebration for their families and for everyone at Bield.

ÒIt’s testament to the fact that BieldÕs older people are free to enjoy life, free to be who they want to be and free to continue to make the most of life.

ÒIt really does brighten our day to know Bield does make a difference. What bigger achievement is there than knowing that through the provision of quality housing and care services we have enabled 27 centenarians to live independent fulfilling lives Ð and they continue to live their lives to the full.

ÒThe common factor Ð there doesnÕt seem to be one apart from happiness and a daily smile. Our staff know that bringing a smile to work each day costs nothing and when they see the difference they make it gives them a smile too.Ó

Bield Ð a registered charity in their 43rd year of business Ð has grown from humble beginnings, opening its first housing development in BoÕness to become a major provider of a wide range of housing and care services for around 20,000 older people across 22 local authorities.

Ends

This media release was issued by www.holyroodpr.co.uk on behalf of Bield. For more information contactinfo@holyroodpr.co.uk or call 0131 561 2242.. (c) Wullie Marr/DEADLINE NEWS

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