Grand old lady is well into her second century

People

Centenarian Margaret Mustard believes there is no great secret to a long life – just plenty of water and good genes.

Steering clear of cigarettes, having only the occasional drink and breakfasting on porridge have also helped the grand old lady reach the remarkable age of 105.

And although she would be the first to admit she is a bit less mobile than she used to be, she still enjoys listening to music and socialising, so the celebrations to mark her milestone were right up her street.

Former governess Mrs Mustard – whose maiden name was Anderson – was born at Longmorn, Moray, on April 18, 1907.

Her peers called her Mabel rather than Margaret, and her father was a cobbler.

She grew up at Longmorn and went to local schools before leaving the village to train as a teacher.

Her qualification paved the way for her to travel to South America, where she was employed to teach the children of a Mr and Mrs Noble, who were also from the north-east.

She was based in Argentina for several years in the early 1930s.

When she returned to Elgin, Mrs Mustard worked in some of the local schools, including the town’s West End and East End primaries.

She then met and married William Mustard, who farmed at Rashcrook at Birnie – prompting her to end her teaching career and embark on life as a farmer’s wife.

The couple had two children – Sandy and Margo – as well as several children from Mr Mustard’s previous marriage.

Mrs Mustard, who was a keen baker, was a dedicated member of Birnie Kirk and the local Women’s Guild.

She insists longevity is “all in your genes”.

She also believes that drinking “plenty of water” also helps people’s chances of having a long and healthy life.

Her daughter, Margo, said her mother was always very dedicated to her family.

She said: “She had no cigarettes, not a lot of drink, a bowl of porridge in the morning, and plenty of water. She always has a cup of hot water.”

Mrs Mustard lived at Dufftown for several years, until she moved to the Grove care home at Elgin when she was aged 99.

She was born in the year the suffragettes stormed the Houses of Parliament, as part of their campaign for the right to vote.

It was also the year that the Sinn Fein party formed, the Old Bailey court in London opened, and Florence Nightingale was presented with the Order of Merit.

On November 13 of that year, French engineer Paul Cornu flew the first helicopter. Other people born in 1907 were renowned poet W.H. Auden, and acclaimed actor Laurence Olivier.

On her birthday, Mrs Mustard was treated to music from the Strathspey Fiddlers and sampled a slice of cake, surrounded by family and friends.

She was also delighted to receive a birthday card from the Queen, as well as numerous bouquets.

Margaret Mustard with her birthday card from the Queen