A Lanarkshire World War Two hero has celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by her nearest dearest.
Agnes Todd was part of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAFs) during the conflict. Five generations of her family gathered at her home in Shotts to celebrate the amazing milestone, writes Lanarkshire Live.
Agnes’ grandson George Todd, 51, said: “She had a great day. We have quite a big family so we had everyone round.
“She is still as sharp as a tack. She seems to know everyone.
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“If you introduced yourself within five minutes she would be able to find out someone you are related to!
“It’s quite incredible she is still going. My dad is 76 and I’m 51 and I don’t know many people our age who still have their mum and granny around.”
Agnes was born in a miners ‘hut’ next to South Field Pit in Shotts, on June 29, 1923.
Born Agnes Pringle Dunlop, she moved on to 220 Torbothie Road, Shotts, where she spent her childhood years with her parents Isabel and Tam as well as her two brother and one sister.
She attended Stane Primary School before leaving at the age of 14 to go to work in Glasgow with her cousin Peggy Dunlop.
Agnes began working in domestic services for a church minster and Peggy got a placement working in the same street.
Sadly, Agnes had to leave her job after learning from her Auntie Aggie that her mother had a bad fall and had to return home to care for her brothers and sister because she was the oldest sibling.
The resilient woman took on various jobs to support the family until she was 18. She then joined the war effort for World War Two becoming a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAFs) being based and undertaking her training at the RAF Base in Cranwell, Lincolnshire.
At the end of the war Agnes and her fellow Forces personal were load onto buses to the centre of London for the celebrations. She recalled meeting other people from Shotts in the unforgettable atmosphere.
She then returned to her family home in Shotts, where again she worked in various employment in her working life including Hartwood Hospital, Station Hotel, Restys Shop and Timpo Toys.
In 1947 she married George Todd in Calderhead Church now has five sons, five grandsons, one grand-daughter, six great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
She has been member of Shotts Congregational Church since 1954. She loves spending time with all her family regularly meeting them when they visit.
In 1990 she travelled to North America to see her cousin and her family. Even now Agnes still loves a game of bingo, having a wee flutter on the horses and an odd scratch card as well as supporting Rangers.
George added: “She was over the moon to get a card from the King. I think she was waiting on it dropping through the letterbox.
“She still enjoys getting out. She still gets herself over to Livingston for a game or two of bingo.
“She really is one of a kind.”
