A WRI stalwart from Moray, famed for her apple tarts, has celebrated her 100th birthday – and plans to mark it with an Indian takeaway.
Jean Gladman grew up in Greenock but has made her home in New Elgin since moving to the region in 1959.
Since then she has become a constant presence on the WRI scene, rising from an ordinary member to become president of the Moray and Nairn federation of the groups.
Familiar faces from her time at the helm were among the guests who crammed into the function room at Abbeyvale Care Home in Elgin yesterday to celebrate her milestone birthday.
Mrs Gladman sipped champagne while dozens of people lined up to congratulate her.
After celebrating with friends on her birthday yesterday, the former post office worker will share an Indian takeaway with close family tomorrow.
Son Biff Gladman, 62, said: “In recent years she’s taken a liking to Indian food and all the spicy curries. It’s what she’s asked for so that’s what we’re going to do.”
Mrs Gladman married her husband Leslie during World War II in 1943, and they were together until the former assistant postmaster in Elgin died in 1992. The couple had three sons and two grandchildren.
Mrs Gladman said: “I wouldn’t be alive if I didn’t have my sense of humour. It has helped to turn even the worst moments into light. It’s the most important thing.”
Lauren Marshall, a nurse at the care home, said: “She’s an amazing character. I said to her that I can’t believe she’s 100. She just said the best people don’t look their age.”
