Celebrations as Dorothy reaches grand old age of 105

Dorothy McCrerie, from Hawick, celebrated her 105th birthday last Friday and she had her work cut out getting through more than 35 birthday cards, as well as that all-important one from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The great-grandmother, born in 1913, was also treated to a rendition of happy birthday on the bagpipes and a celebratory cake with her family and fellow residents at Bonchester Bridge Care Home.

“She is absolutely amazing,” care home manager Lisa Lothian said. “She lived on her own until she was 103. She is relgious and takes communion here regularly and enjoys gentle one-on-one activities.”

Dorothy was born in Lincolnshire and left school at 14. She moved to Hawick after marrying her husband William, originally from Dumfries, in 1938.

William became manager of the town’s Forbes plant nursery, and the couple lived in a tied cottage there.

They had two children, Sheila who lives in Fleetwood, Lancashire, and Charlie, who stays in Denholm.

A member of St Cuthbert’s Episocpal Church, Dorothy used to be a keen gardener and member of the Women’s Institute.

And while she reckoned she hoped to celebrate Friday’s big event by “spending the day sleeping, most likely”, there was little time for that with an abundance of visitors to keep her entertained.

“She had a lovely day, if a little tiring,” her daughter Sheila said. “They organised a piper to play happy birthday, which I thought was a really nice touch. I don’t think they realised she’s English, but she’s lived in Scotland 80 years, so she’s an adopted Scot.”

“She has seen a lot in 105 years. From the first wireless to the invention of cars and everything else. If you think about it, it’s wonderful.”

Dorothy has fivegrandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

The eldest of seven siblings, Dorothy’s brother John Langley, 92, lives in Lincolnshire.