East Lothian Crookston Care Home Resident Maggie Ross celebrates her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends.
The hall was decorated with bunting and balloons, and the guest of honour had been counting down the days to this magnificent milestone. Yesterday, Thursday 1 August, Margaret Ross, known as Maggie, celebrated her 100th birthday in style with a grand party, surrounded by family and friends at the Fraser Centre, Tranent.
Joined by her daughter Isabel, son Robert, her grandchildren, and great-grand-children, friends and neighbours it was quite the affair. The highlight was a visit from the Vice Lord Lieutenant of East Lothian, Patrick Gammell, who proudly represented His Majesty, The King to passed on his well wishes to Maggie on her centenary.
Born, Margaret Sinclair on 1 August 1924, she weighed a precious 2lb. Long before the days of incubators, and having been birthed at home, it was lucky she survived her first few days, never mind to her 100th year. Strong, determined, and willing to defy the odds, from that day to this, Maggie has been a tower of strength to all around her.
She was brought up in a religious household in Port Seton with her mother, Bella, father John, and two brothers, John, and James. She attended Cockenzie primary school and then follow-up school.
During the war she worked as an agricultural worker on the Archerfield Estate. Some might have called her a ‘Land Girl’, but Maggie insists she was a ‘field worker’, “it was hard work, but I was enjoyed it”.
She met her husband Alex at a wedding in the Pond Hall in 1946. They married in Chalmers Church in 1948 and had two children together, Isabel and Robert. Like her father, Alex was a fisherman. He was often out at sea, so Maggie took on the role of both mother and father most of the time, but Isabel insists, “she brought us up well.”
“Port Seton has always been my home. I grew up on Barracks Street, then Alex and I stayed in Golf Drive, then settled in Fisher’s Road. I’ve always loved being able to look out to the sea.”
The church has played a prominent role in Maggie’s life. “As a child, I attended the Brethren Church with my parents and brothers. However, after marrying Alex, I attended Chalmers Church, and became an avid member of the congregation, and the guild committee for many years.”
As her children grew older, Maggie worked as a local home-help supporting members of her community with daily activities.
Maggie and Alex were married for 52 years until he sadly passed in December 2000. During this time their extended family grew to include four grandchildren, Christopher, Melanie, Derek and Colin and two great-grandchildren, Sarah and Ben. Since then, Maggie as welcomed the arrival of five more great-grandchildren, Calum, Taylor, Aiden, Callie and Lucy.
Maggie has always enjoyed an active social life. She was a regular attendee at Chalmers Church organised events and activities, especially the afternoon teas.
Maggie is also renowned for her travel adventures. “Together my friends and I would get up in the morning, and head to Edinburgh Bus Station. Where we would end up, was anyone’s guess. We’d see where the next bus was going and hop aboard. Sometimes it was Dundee, sometimes Livingston, and it wasn’t uncommon for us to arrive in Inverness for a day trip too! It was a good way to get out and about, enjoy the scenery and a good natter!”
Maggie’s travels continued right up into her 80s and 90s, Isabel adds, “I’d never know where she was, or what she was up to. But come Saturday night, I could be rest assured I’d get a phone call to be told all about her travels that day.”
Maggie continued to live independently at home, until she suffered a fall breaking her hip two years ago. After a spell in hospital, Maggie decided it was time to hang up her bus pass, and now requiring additional support, was able to secure a place at Crookston Care Home, where she resides today.
Maggie thoroughly enjoys the daily activities available for residents including dominoes and bingo, and very much looks forward to her weekly appointment with the hairdresser. And while her bus pass may be put away, Isabel and her husband Alan continue to support her to enjoy day trips by car, down the coast to Eyemouth or over to Fife, especially if an ice-cream is involved.
On behalf of everyone at East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, and particularly the staff at Crookston Care Home, we would like to wish Maggie a very happy 100th birthday. You’re an inspiration to us all.