Great-gran Louise 100 years young
Snooker-loving birthday girl gets special message
A snooker loving greatgrandmother celebrated her 100th birthday with a video from her favourite player.
Louise Kyle was surrounded by her family and friends as she opened gifts at the sheltered housing accommodation in Eastfield, Cambuslang, on Thursday.
A delighted Louise, who grew up in the old Hallside village, received a message from the Queen but, more importantly for her, a message from snooker world champion John Higgins.
Louise’s son David Kyle contacted the snooker ace with an invitation to her birthday party.
He said: “She was absolutely over the moon with the message from John. She has never met him but she loves the snooker and knows all of the players.
“He was at a tournament so he said he was very sorry that he couldn’t make it to her birthday but wished her all the best and was thankful for her support.”
More than 100 people attended Louise’s birthday party, where she was also presented with a cake courtesy of Gregg’s and a photo album jam-packed with memories.
David added:“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We held a party on the Saturday for her, where 100 people came along from places like America and Canada.
“It was such a good night with music, good food and dancing.
“Then we had everyone along to her home on Thursday where she got her telegram from the Queen and a message from the Pope.
“A DJ was there who catered for everyone wonderfully and he sang a medley of Scottish songs which my mum loved.”
Born Louise Gibbons in August 1917, she was the youngest of nine: five boys and four girls.
She grew up in Hallside and is now believed to be the last surviving resident of the old village.
Louise met her husband Robert before the war in a grocery store. He worked as a line leader in the then Hoover factory in Somervell Street.
To make ends meet Louise had an old foot-operated Singer sewing machine and took in sewing jobs.
She devoted her life to helping her children Robert, Beth, David, Rena and Louise and also her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Louise was deeply saddened by Robert’s passing in 1978 but, despite being housebound and living on her own, she has had a new lease of life lately.
David said: “Although failing in health now, we can still go to her for her advice and wisdom.
“All through her life family meant everything to Mum and she has been a great comfort to all of us on many occasions.
“She never had much in the way of money but was very frugal with what she had and, although a stay-at-home mum when we were all still young, she made sure her children never went without.”