I’m having a laugh
Rebecca’s secret to turning 100
East Kilbride’s latest centenarian has revealed the secret to a long life – laughter.
Celebrations were in full swing at Cathkin House care home as Rebecca Somerville marked her milestone 100th birthday surrounded by three generations of her family and friends.
Rebecca, known locally as Beck, said: “I’ve lived a great life, done everything that I wanted to do and more – I’m also a few years ahead of the Queen.”
She also revealed that her secret to a long life is “plenty of laughs and don’t take things too seriously”.
Born in Glasgow on January 13, 1918, Rebecca married her sweetheart James in 1939 at a ceremony in the city.
The couple relocated to East Kilbride in the 1950s when James landed a job with Rolls-Royce engineering.
Rebecca worked as a kitchen assistant for most of her life before calling it a day at the age of 60 to live out her retirement in Strathaven with James.
Rebecca was a keen cyclist and an active member of the ladies’ club.
They made the short move from Westwood to Strathaven in the 1970s where they enjoyed their retirement years and had many good friends there.
James and Rebecca were blessed with four children – Rebecca, Helen, Peter and Irene – and have four grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren who were able celebrate the centenary birthday with her.
Rebecca moved into Cathkin House in August 2014. She is a popular resident and enjoys taking part in lots of activities in the home. She thanked all the staff for making her birthday a “most enjoyable and memorable day” and extended thanks to all her family and friends who were able to join in the celebrations.
South Lanarkshire provost Ian McAllan and Deputy Lieutenant Margaret Morton paid Rebecca a visit and presented her with a birthday card from the Queen, a framed scroll and flowers to mark her special birthday.
Lynn Rossi, home manager at Cathkin House, said: “Residents are at the heart of everything we do here at Cathkin House and we always like to make an occasion of birthdays.
“To celebrate Beck’s 100th birthday, we held a special party here at the home, and it was lovely to be joined by so many generations of her family and friends for this important milestone.”