100-year-old Uddingston Care Home resident shares 'secret to long-life'

Betty Fairley (nee Adie) celebrated her 100th birthday this week at Croftbank House in Uddingston with a generous gift of 100 of her favourite chocolates from her local Aldi store, and a special visit from the Lord Provost.

Born to Arthur and Euphemia Adie on 23 February 1924, their family was made complete with the birth of sister Reba on 21 August 1926. Betty completed school and first trained and worked as an auxiliary nurse before studying shorthand and typing.

She would go on to work as a secretary at several companies, including the Co-Op, where she met her husband, John.

The pair bonded over a love of dancing and outdoor pursuits, and Betty and John married on 26 February 1952, just a few days after her 28th birthday, at St Paul’s Church in Glasgow.

Their first family home was in Dennistoun where the couple welcomed their two sons, Ian and Andrew. They moved to Johnston in 1960, and to Bothwell in 1966, where they lived happily until John’s death in 1988.

Betty moved into Croftbank House, where her sister had been living, in 2019 and has celebrated several birthdays with her family and friends since then.

Betty said: “I’m excited to reach 100 and see what it’s like! I’m curious to see if it will feel different to the rest of my birthdays and I’m looking forward to seeing what it’s like to be 100 years old.”

Betty credits her long life to chocolate, in moderation of course, and was delighted to be surprised with 100 Ferrero Rocher chocolates from her local Aldi store in Bellshill to celebrate her big birthday, as well as a beautiful birthday balloon donated by Happily Ever Laughter.

Asked what makes Ferrero Rocher her favourite chocolates, Betty said: “I love the taste of them. All the layers are so different, and I like taking my time to enjoy them as I make my way through the chocolate.”

She was also joined by the Lord Provost, who visited Croftbank House to wish Betty well on becoming a centenarian.

South Lanarkshire Provost Margaret Cooper said: “It was fascinating to meet Betty and wonderful to do so on her 100th birthday. She has lived through so many momentous times, many of which we only know about second hand, but she also has a treasure trove of personal memories built up over her life.

“Birthday parties are always a great occasion, but it is something special to be at one celebrating a century of life. It was wonderful to see Betty surrounded by family, friends and staff who all clearly thought the world of her, and I am grateful to her for being able to help her mark such an amazing achievement and pass on the congratulations of all in South Lanarkshire.”

Lynsey Young, activities coordinator at Croftbank House, said: “It was wonderful to be able to celebrate Betty’s birthday with her friends and family, and the Lord Provost today. Everyone at Croftbank House can’t wait to help her enjoy her fantastic birthday gift, too!”

Croftbank House, situated in Uddingston, South Ayrshire, is a part of the Renaissance Care Group. It currently operates 16 homes located across Scotland and currently provides care provision for 760 residents and employs around 1,150 staff. To find out more about the home please visit: www.renaissance-care.co.uk/croftbank-house-care-home.