Boston Court celebrates Mary’s 100th birthday

Residents at Berwickshire Housing Association’s Boston Court gathered together as its oldest resident Mary Jeffrey celebrated her 100th birthday.

Ms Jeffrey celebrated in style on Sunday 19 September at a party for family, friends and former neighbours and on Wednesday 22 September, her fellow residents at Boston Court in Duns, gathered to mark the occasion.

Ms Jeffrey was born at Nabdean near Paxton, where she grew up and worked on the farm with her father and brother. She later moved to Hutton and then King James Court in Berwick before settling at BHA’s independent living court in Duns.

The centenarian says that working on the farm from an early age has helped her reach the grand age of 100. She added: “I used to milk the cows, carry hay for the horses and load the carts during harvest. I loved harvest time. I also had two pet owls.

“I really loved cycling and dancing, all types of dancing, and I enjoyed a Saturday night in the British Legion.”

She is also one of BHA’s befriendees and pre-COVID attended all of BeFriend’s events – trips, community lunches etc. She walks most days around Duns Park and likes to have company as part of her walk. 

She added: “I’m very comfortable here at Boston Court but haven’t been able to get out and about as much as I’d like to during the pandemic. Hopefully I can get back to meeting my friends more as restrictions are lifted.”

Ms Jeffrey received a telegram from Her Majesty the Queen and BHA’s Chief Executive Michelle Meldrum visited Boston Court to present her with a bouquet of flowers.