Centenary celebrations as New Gorbals tenant reaches landmark birthday

Martha Andrew
Martha Andrew

New Gorbals Housing Association tenant Mrs Martha Andrew celebrated a landmark this month with her 100th birthday.

Martha, who saw in the milestone on the 5th of January with her family, returned home to her sheltered housing complex in Devon Street to find a surprise party in honour of the occasion.

Family, friends from the complex and staff were there to surprise Martha, and to gather for some birthday cake, buffet and a chat.

Head of housing Kirsty Fotheringham said: “We are glad to be able to help Martha celebrate such a significant birthday, and it was lovely to see so many people at her party. We know that this year has been particularly special for Martha already, as her son was able to visit her from Canada. She also received a telegram from the Queen, which she found very exciting.”

Martha has been a tenant of New Gorbals Housing Association in the Devon Street complex since 1999, and has lived in and around the area her whole life.

When asked the secret to a long and healthy life, Martha said that, for her, it all comes down to ballroom dancing. She attended ballroom dancing every week for decades as a younger woman, and frequented the famous Plaza Ballroom until its closure.

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