Birthday girl Mary marks her 100th year
It was a special occasion this week for a well-kent face in the Balfron community as she celebrated her 100th birthday.
Mary Telfer brought up the special milestone alongside close family with a small gathering at the Fairview care home in Bannockburn, including the special delivery of the cherished birthday card from the Queen.
She was born as the daughter of a farmer and was one of ten kids and is also one of a set of twins.
Mary married husband Bobby at Balfron Church in 1950 after the pair met each other through a mutual family friend and soon went on to have children - son Bobby and daughters Ann and Fiona - before husband Bobby tragically died at the age of 66.
The family has grown from there, with Mary now enjoying being at the head of a family that includes eight grandchildren and a whopping 17 great-grandchildren.
Mary’s strong faith and regular presence at the church saw her take on a position as an elder and her home baking skills - particularly her tablet - are renowned within the family and beyond.
She also spent time doing voluntary work assisting disabled children and within the village surgery, helping with weighing children.
Daughter Ann McEwen told the Observer:“She would say there’s no secret to a long life other than saying you would need to shoot her to get rid of her!
“She’s also been very determined and nearly died when she was very young so she has been through a lot.
“Fairview are hosting a wee party for her and I know she’ll be excited to get her card from the Queen.”