Birthday boy Robert is still rocking at 100
It’s not every day you turn 100 and the family of Paisley man Robert Pope made sure he got the celebration he deserved yesterday – starting with a surprise live street performance.
Robert, who officially became a centenarian yesterday, has lived a remarkable life having survived two near-death experiences in his 100 years.
He is one of the few remaining survivors of the Glen Cinema disaster – which took the lives of 71 children in Paisley on Hogmanay 1929 – having escaped the deadly crush when he was just seven years old.
He also went on to survive the Second World War as a sailor dodging German destroyers and U-boats.
Now, as he marked his milestone birthday at his home in Paisley’s
Albion Street, Robert was treated to the first of many surprises yesterday when Drums ‘n’ Roses turned out to put on a special show just for him.
The lifelong Buddie was joined by his loving family and neighbours for a dance in the street as the bagpipe rock band performed some hits, including a rendition of Happy Birthday.
His son Robert, who organised the surprise, said his dad was “over the moon” when he opened his front door to see everyone.
He told the Express: “He had absolutely no idea it was happening. It was great to see how surprised he was.
“A lot of his neighbours came out and our family was there too to join in with it alongside him.
“The band were great and my dad really loved it. It went even better than we had hoped.”
And the surprises for Robert didn’t end there, as he joined his loved ones for a big celebration at Paisley’s British Legion Club - his regular haunt where he has been a familiar face for many years.
Son Robert arranged for his dad to be picked up in a stretch limousine on Friday night to take him on a special tour around Paisley - the place he has spent his whole life, having been born in Maxwellton Street in 1922.
A number of special performances were also organised for the party, and when the Express spoke to Robert’s son before the party, he couldn’t wait to treat his dad to more surprises.
He said: “All he knows is that there is a party, he has no idea about everything else.
“He was a bit nervous about it all as it’s a night all about him but we just know he’ll have a fantastic time.”
It was great to see how surprised he was. He really loved it