Annan has been making sure a favourite resident, Bella Bell, enjoyed her 102nd birthday with floral tributes and a piper.
Another Annan resident, Dumfriesshire Lord Lieutenant Hardip Atwal, called at her home with flowers and a birthday card from the King, Charles III, and Queen Camilla.
And, Annan’s Queen of the Border Macy Oliver, accompanied by Champion Lloyd Downie, and this year’s Cornet Ewan Murray, took her a bouquet on behalf of the crowning committee to wish her a very happy birthday. Bella is noted for loving the Riding of the Marches and Gala Day in July, watching the parade with a garden full of family and friends.
Born in Annan as Isabella Crawford – but known as Bella – she was educated at Greenknowe School – and joined grocery business, Wilson Bros, aged 19.
During the First World War she worked at the munitions factory along the Solway coast, HM Factory Gretna, before returning to work in the grocery.
She has outlived both of her husbands – James Smith and Lesley Bell – and has a son, James Smith and grand-daughter, Erin.
Bella is also known in the town for her love of music which has earned her the title of “karaoke queen” at the town’s Commercial Inn.
