“I want to be recognised as a person too, not just for turning 100.”
“Inspirational” Marjory, who lives at Hilltree Court, our Retirement Living PLUS development in Griffnock near Glasgow, marked her centenary with two birthday celebrations. She enjoyed a stay in the beautiful Seamill Hydro Hotel in Ayrshire, followed by a party with friends and neighbours in Hilltree Court’s shared lounge.
Marjory says of her birthday, “I’ve had the opportunity to experience so many different things, but I don’t like a fuss… or maybe just a little! But I want to be recognised as a person too, not just for turning 100.”
Estate Manager, Claire Winter, says: “Marjory is a very thoughtful lady, always dropping cards through people’s doors if they are unwell and sending her love. She always takes an interest in people and really listens to what they have to say – she really is an inspirational lady.”
Marjory has always love languages, rambling and maps
Marjory grew up Bellshill in North Lanarkshire. She displayed a flair for language early on, becoming a favourite of her primary school headmaster with her love of poetry and ability to recite many poems in front of the class.
As an engineer, her father was deployed to Birmingham to work on Operation Pluto (Pipeline Under the Ocean) during the Second World War, building oil pipelines under the English Channel to supply fuel to the Allied forces in France. Marjory studied English and French at Birmingham University, and after graduation became a teacher at a girl’s school.
She met her husband Idris in 1972 and then settled in Wales with their son Jeoffrey. Their shared love of rambling took them to many places, with Marjory confessing that she loves to explore, “If I see a path I want to follow it and see where is goes – I have a fascination for maps.”
Retirement living and new friends keeps Marjory active
These days, Marjory credits Hilltree Court with keeping her active and social: “I’ve made some lovely friends and I enjoy all the social activities. During Covid, I felt very lonely and isolated – which is what drew me to Hilltree Court – to be nearer family and make new friends.”
Marjory’s daily life includes needlework and gardening, which she “does a lot at Hilltree Court.”
When asked what the secret to reaching a century is, she said: “People is the secret – getting to know people and taking an interest in them.”
The most important invention she’s seen in her lifetime? “The telephone – I was 20 years old before we had one.” And her best advice for young people? “Be open-minded!”
Find a retirement community that celebrates you
From independent living retirement property for over 60s, to assisted living at our Retirement Living PLUS apartments for over 70s, our lovely properties in stunning locations are thoughtfully designed so you can make the most of your retirement whether you’re just over 60 or heading for 100 – and you’ll have a lively community of new neighbours on the doorstep too.
Learn more our retirement homes near you, call our friendly team on 0800 201 4811 or contact us online for more information.
