Arden mum Margaret turns 100

Margaret’s 100th birthday FAMILY, friends, neighbours and carers – plus a postman carrying a very special telegram – beat a path to Margaret Black’s house in Arden last week to wish her a happy 100th birthday.
And the remarkable woman then headed out to a nearby Chinese restaurant to enjoy a slap-up meal with all TEN of her children.
But anyone wanting to follow Margaret’s personal guide to longevity will have to be ready for a secret that is literally hard to stomach – cod liver oil.
The centenarian’s daughter Rita – who had travelled all the way from Australia’s Gold Coast for the party – told The Press: “Mum would make all ten of us line up every morning.
“And then she would give each of us a spoonful of that stuff.
“Most of us hated it. But it doesn’t seem to have done us or Mum any harm.”
Rita, 69, added: “It’s remarkable that we are all still able to get together for a great event like this.
“An it’s fantastic that Mum is fit and active enough to really take part and appreciate it.”
That sentiment was echoed by her brother Brian, 61, who looks after his mother at their home, just yards from busy Darnley Road. He said: “It’s amazing that every member of the family has managed to get to the South Side of Glasgow for this special meal.
“Apart from Rita and her family flying in from Australia, my brother Danny and his children have come over from Ontario in Canada. Other brothers and sisters have come up from England.
“But Mum deserves it. She is a remarkable woman. She still goes to Mass every Sunday at Saint Louise’s Church.
“And when we mentioned going for a meal, she insisted we went Chinese. It’s still her favourite.”
Margaret grew up in the Gorbals, where she attended Charlotte Street School.
Her six daughters and four sons have given her 30 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.
During the Second World War she was evacuated with her two young sons to Maybole, Ayrshire.
She fondly recalls her many trips to the local Steamie.
Margaret has never smoked or consumed alcohol. And apart from a spoon of cod liver oil she has a plate of porridge every day.
Her Cordia homecare team made a special presentation to her. Team leader Rhona Patterson said: “We all love her. She’s an inspiration to every one of us.”