A Scots mod has celebrated her 100th birthday with an identical Lambretta scooter from her riding days. Jessie Clark, from Aberdeen, was reunited with the model she and her husband John used to travel the country on to mark her centenary.
Jessie - a resident of Rosepark Care Home in Uddingston, South Lanarkshire - used to travel the UK in a 1963 Lambretta Li 125 so seeing the scooter brought back a lot of happy memories for her. She proved she had not lost her lust for life and hopped on the scooter for a feel, reports Aberdeen Live.
She said: “It was just wonderful. It brought back so many happy memories and really made my day.”
Jessie was born in the Granite City in 1923 and grew up with her sister, four brothers and a father who was a veteran of both world wars. She worked as a weaver during World War Two, with her efforts helping to produce uniforms for soldiers.
She then became a waiter at Marischal College while it was still under the possession of the University of Aberdeen, catering to distinguished academics every day.
Jessie and John were married in 1940 and had two daughters. They continued to live in Aberdeen, and Jessie worked in schools helping children with learning disabilities.
Both of the couple's daughters married Dons players - namely Jim Pearson and Jim Kirkland. John died in 1988, and after a period living in Aberdeen, Jessie moved to Uddingston, Lanarkshire to be closer to family.
A keen bowls player, she kept up an active lifestyle after the move. She moved into the care home in January last year at the age of 99.
'Scooterist' Callum Frew is a nephew of the care home's activities co-ordinator Annette, and helped arrange the special surprise for Jessie.
The 36-year-old said: “Her wee face lit up when she saw it. I was quite happy just to help a fellow scooter girl out. My aunt told me about Jessie’s trips and how she had her own red Lambretta back in the day.
"It worked out perfectly for her that I basically have the same model. She was fit as a fiddle and once she got a wee hand up onto it, she was happy as could be.”
When asked what the secret to a long and happy life was, Jessie said: “I think it’s just down to luck and looking after yourself. I’ve always prided myself on staying active.
"Even in my 70s and 80s I would walk between Uddingston and Hamilton every day. I had an aunt who lived to 104 and I want to beat her.”
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