A 100-year-old who remembers the birth of King Charles said 'sticking together' was the best way to get through troubled times. Mum-of-two Hazel MacLennan was born on February 5 1923, and attended school in Govan, Glasgow.
She celebrated her 100th birthday in the comfort of Malin Court Care Home in Maidens, South Ayrshire, with 20 of her closest friends and family. Hazel grew up in the Plantation and Sheildhall districts of Glasgow and attended Govan High School, which Sir Alex Ferguson also attended.
After the outbreak of the Second World War, Hazel became one of the first young women to gain employment as an engineer, working on the factory floor at James Howden’s engineering works. She built aircrafts including Sunderland Flying Boats and fins and ailerons for Lancaster Bombers.
Hazel said: “It was a strange time. Work was tough, I worked 12-hour shifts for six years at the engineering works.
"I distinctly remember the night of the Clydebank bombing. I spent the night perched on top of a jig, terrified as German planes flew overhead.
"But we got through the hard times, like always, by sticking together and making the best of it.” Following the war, Hazel married Donald McLennan, settling down in Ralston, Paisley, and welcomed their two sons, Murdoch and Alex.
Hazel said: “I am thrilled to spend the day with my friends and family. I am looking forward to receiving my card from the King.
"I have such vivid memories of celebrating his birth back in 1948 so it is a very exciting time for me. I think the most important thing in life to me has been, and remains, family.
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"Raising my two sons has been my greatest joy in life, and they are both my biggest accomplishments.” When asked about her secret to a long, happy life, Hazel added: “There simply isn’t one.
"Just live your life and try not to fear the future. Always make sure you take plenty of time to stop and smell the roses along the way.”
Malin Court, situated in the village of Maidens, South Ayrshire, is a part of the Renaissance Care Group. It currently operates 16 homes located across Scotland and currently provides care provision for 760 residents and employs around 1,150 staff.
