Happy 100th birthday to Luella Staunton Munro (married name, Luella Clark) who celebrated her landmark day at Whitefield Lodge Care Home in Lennoxtown. Provost Renwick joined Luella’s family, friends and care home staff to mark the special occasion with her.
Luella, who was born on 30 November 1925, has some fascinating stories to tell of her life through the decades and among some of her key memories are: the 1935 Silver Jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary when there was a big bonfire in Gartcosh near the cricket pavilion, with tar barrels; going to the Empire Exhibition in 1938, especially remembering the tableaux – The Highland Clachan as well as the thrill of going on a Moon Rocket; and sadly, going to air raid shelters from school.
Luella’s childhood was spent in Gartcosh, living in a Smith & McLean Iron Works tied house, where her dad worked. She remembers being thrilled that the house had a bathroom and electric lights – all mod cons! A clever girl, she left Gartcosh Primary to go on to win prizes for her studies at Coatbridge Secondary School.
Her career began at 15 as a typist in Glasgow. Her flair for languages quickly led her to a job at the BBC where she worked until she retired. It is also where she met her late husband Chay. They have two children, six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Provost Renwick said, “It was a privilege to meet Luella and be part of her special celebrations. She is a wonderful lady who has had such an interesting life. Thanks to her family for inviting me along and to everyone at the home for making everything so lovely for Luella’s 100th birthday.”
