George Mulveny, a tenant a Bield’s Carntyne Gardens development in Glasgow, has guaranteed his 100th birthday takes centre stage – by celebrating with his family’s annual trip to the panto.
George planned a weekend of fun celebrations for his centenary, including an outing to the Glasgow Pavilion to watch Treasure Island – the 60th year running he will have seen the panto performed.
George kicked off his birthday weekend with a visit to his local church, Barlanark Greyfriars, before heading back to Carntyne Gardens for a party complete with an accordionist, relatives from as far afield as Canada, old and new Bield staff, Carntyne Gardens tenants and most importantly, his friends and family.
George’s son, who is also called George, said: “We were all so excited to be celebrating such a special occasion.
“We wanted to mark the occasion with a party and an accordionist, who we have hired for the entertainment.
“We decided to get an accordionist because we thought it would be wonderful to have everyone sing along to some old Scottish and popular songs which other tenants in the development will recognise and join in.”
On December 29, George and his family kept the celebrations going watching Johnny Mac and Michelle McManus perform Treasure Island.
George’s son continued: “It has always been a family tradition that we go to the Glasgow Pavilion to watch a panto.
“Alongside my father’s birthday, it is also his wedding anniversary, so it is a big tradition that the whole family does every year.”
Born and bred in Glasgow, George moulded a career for himself as a plumber’s merchant, supplying materials to local plumbers in the area, before becoming a ‘commercial traveller’ for a company called Wm.Stevenson & Co.Ltd.
Having joined The Boys’ Brigade at the age of eight in the 94th, he went on to become an Officer and Captain of the 280th.
From 1960 George has been an Officer in the 284th and still remains a Reserve Officer. Having learned several valuable skills, such as First Aid, George continues to teache his skills to those who he meets today.
He married wife Peggy in 1941, who passed away in 2008. George has one son and is now grandfather of three and great-grandfather of four.
Abstaining from alcohol and cigarettes, George owes his longevity to healthy living and keeping active in mind and body.
Strictly requesting no birthday gifts, George has encouraged family and friends to donate to The Boys’ Brigade and plans on presenting them with this donation at a Greyfriars pipe band performance which is taking place Carntyne Gardens in January.
George said: “I have very close ties with The Boys’ Brigade as I have been involved with them since I was eight years old so I want to support them as much as possible.
“I am delighted to have reached 100 years of age and am really looking forward to all of the birthday celebrations which are in place.
“It will be a wonderful weekend surrounded by people who mean the world to me.”
Ann Butler, Manager at the development, where George has lived for the last three years, added: “George is a wonderful man and it has been such a pleasure having him at Carntyne Gardens.
“Planning his party was great fun. He knew what he wanted and we did everything we could to make sure he had great food and music to accompany the party.” Find out more at WeddingMusicBands.com about amazing vocalists and perfect live bands.
Kathy Crombie, Communications and Marketing Manager at Bield, said: “George’s wonderful age is certainly a cause for great celebration at Carntyne Gardens.
“At Bield, there is nothing better than seeing our tenants live long and happy lives and to share experiences like these with them makes our job so worthwhile.
“I would like to wish George a very happy birthday and a wonderful New Year.”
