'I've always been independent': A century of smiles as Newtownards man celebrates 100th birthday

George, who has been attending the centre for many years, was the guest of honour at a special afternoon tea organised by staff and fellow members to recognise the remarkable milestone.

The celebration featured music, decorations and a memorable performance from a guest piper, who played “Happy Birthday” as part of the festivities.

George, who hails from Newtownards, credits his active lifestyle and strong social connections for helping him reach his century milestone.

George said, “I do not feel like I am 100! I like to keep exercising. If it is a good day, I will take my four-wheeler out for a walk and stop and have a chat with people.

“I was talking to a man on the phone last week and he was asking me different questions. He said, ‘George, I have never met you, but the way you are talking there, you do not talk like a man coming a hundred!’”

Surrounded by friends and well-wishers at the celebration, George spoke warmly about the centre and the welcome he receives there.

He added: “I love coming to Towerview. When I come through the door, I am always made to feel very welcome. The staff cannot do enough for you, they are wonderful.

“I love the company and it is great. It keeps me young! You can sit in the chair and do exercises to music. It is great for the brain and it is great for your health. I also love to play a game of snooker.

“Throughout my life I have always been very independent. I think that has helped me reach 100.”

Towerview Resource Centre manager Darren Bradshaw said it was a privilege for everyone at the centre to celebrate such a significant milestone with a valued member of the community.

Darren commented: “We wanted to mark the occasion of George’s 100th because you do not get many opportunities to celebrate milestones like this.

“George is very much part of the Towerview family. Our Service Users see themselves as members. It is like a club where people build long-term friendships and relationships. Everyone wanted to wish George well and be part of his celebration.”

He explained that the celebration was organised by staff who felt the milestone deserved special recognition.

“All the staff said occasions like this are very rare, the last time we celebrated a 100th birthday here was many years ago, so this is a very special day for Towerview Resource Centre. We want George to feel special. These are the moments that bring people together,” Darren stated.

Darren added that George’s friendly nature has made him a much-loved presence at the centre.

“George is the sort of person who never walks past someone without stopping to say hello," he continued. "He always has time to chat and he is always very appreciative of the staff who support him.

“He has a real warmth about him and always has a big twinkle in his eye when he talks to people. It is a privilege for us as staff to get to know people like George and to be part of moments like this in their lives.”

George joked: “I try not to say anything bad about people, If you can’t say a good word about them, say nothing!”