Anna Mary McClure is 100-years-old

A CELEBRATION involving family and friends took place on Saturday night for Ballymoney's latest centenarian.

Anna Mary McClure marked her 100th birthday with a party at Kirkhill Manor where she has been a resident since 2003.

The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, Rev. Dr. Stafford Carson, was present along with the minister of Kilraughts Presbyterian Church, Rev. Noel McLean, to add to the long list of well-wishers who gathered for the historic occasion.

A member of a much respected family, Miss McClure is the daughter of Robert John and Margaret McClure of Ballynagashel.

She was born on January 10, 1910, and educated at Ballynagashel Primary School. She worshipped at First Kilraughts along with other members of her family.

Miss McClure worked on the family farm before taking up nursing as a career in 1938 receiving her training at Bethlem Royal Hospital Kent. She was engaged in various spheres of nursing and showed her work and worth by becoming Deputy Matron in Chapel Allerton Hospital in Leeds until her retirement in 1975.

According to the Mr.. McLean, Miss McClure has vivid memories of sitting in pew No 27 of the old church at Kilraughts listening to the eloquent sermons of Rev. John McCammon.

In those early years, Miss McClure found faith which led her though life and has been her source of strength.

"She speaks of the values instilled in her family home of worship, respect and observance of the Lord's Day," Mr. McLean said.

A life long involvement in the church, which included service as a church elder, was coupled with charity work and while in England, Miss McClure met Queen Mary in connection with her association with St. John Ambulance.

Ill health prompted Miss McClure to return to the Ballymoney area in October 2001. She initially stayed in the Court Nursing Home but then transferred to Kirkhill Manor which she often describes as 'home from home.'

Saturday night's event was organised by Ms. Naomi Beggs of Kirkhill Manor. Some members of the Eden Accordion band were on hand to provide some lilting music and the large number of well-wishers, including her brother, John, left Miss McClure, in the words of Rev. McLean, somewhat mesmerised by it all.

"Why all the fuss. I would like to have kept it quiet," was Miss McClure's modest response to it all.

Commenting on Miss McClure, Mr. McLean said: "She is a most faithful example to us all in First Kilraughts and when asked if she would encourage anyone to take up nursing gave a resounding yes - her motive being to serve and care for others - undoubtedly a most noble aim."

Mr. McLean said Miss McClure was one of their most senior and highly respected members who attends worship so regularly and faithfully. She had a most distinguished career in helping others. He added that in his 30 years of ministry, this was his first celebration of a member of the congregation reaching 100 years of age.

Clearly a lady of considerable determination, Miss McClure enjoyed driving until she was 91 in her cherished Morris Minor which she bought from new.

She also enjoyed knitting, crosswords and scrabble, all of which have helped contribute to her positive attitude to life.

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