Janet Harvey, recipient of an honorary engineering doctorate from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2018 for her time spent as a shipyard worker during the second world war, turned 100 today (28 September 2022) and celebrated at the charity’s Fred Paton Day Care Centre in the west end.
Janet celebrated her 100th birthday with a party including entertainment from a local singer, her friends at Fred Paton Day Centre and of course, cake!
Richard Donald, CEO of Glasgow’s Golden Generation said,
“We’re delighted to help Janet celebrate such a huge milestone at the centre.
“It’s not every day one of our service users turns 100, so we decided to push the boat out for her which seemed appropriate given her shipbuilding past!
“On behalf of everyone at the Fred Paton Day Centre and Glasgow’s Golden Generation I’d like to wish Janet many happy returns.”
The centenarian has had a fascinating life, spending 6 years contributing to the war effort in the 40s, only to be made redundant once men returned home from the front.
Despite leaving school at 14, Janet was sent to train at a technical college for 3 months at the age of 18 and was then began work first at the city’s Fairfield Shipbuilders then John Brown’s.
After losing her job once the women who had stepped in were considered surplus to requirements in 1946, Janet went on to spend her career working within the Co-operative and Tennent’s Brewery.
Of her milestone birthday Janet said,
“Having spent six years in the shipyards then working straight through to retirement, I’m amazed to be turning 100 but I must have done something right!
“Thank you to everyone for their kind wishes today and a memorable birthday.”
Attendees of the Fred Paton Day Centre enjoyed their usual 3 course lunch as well as special entertainment from Scott Dunbar, a birthday cake from the charity made by Cupcakes by Angela and baked goodies donated by the Three Sister’s Bake.
The Fred Paton Day Centre opens 5 days a week in the west end of Glasgow and staff work hard to reduce loneliness and isolation in older adults.
