Centenarians Nancy and Edna honoured

TWO Dumfries centenarians – who served during World War II – were centre of attention this week as they were honoured by the Royal British Legion Scotland. Well-kent and legendary faces Nancy Beck and Edna Wells received cards and legion coins from national chairman of the Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS), David Boe, at the Baptist Church Centre on Monday. Both Edna and Nancy – who are still active in the Dumfries and Maxwelltown RBLS branch – didn’t know about the event so it was a special surprise for both. Several other group members came to celebrate them turning 100 and for their achievements. Nancy – who is Dumfries born and bred and will turn 102 in September – said: “This is out of this world, I can’t believe it. It’s so special for Edna and I, we thought it was just a lunch event. “We’ve known each other since our school days. I worked in the army post office during the war.” Edna – who has lived in Dumfries all her life and is known as the real Queen of the South to her family and friends – added: “I’ve had a lovely time, it was a great surprise. I would never have thought I would be getting honoured like this. I was a member of the Women’s Royal Naval Service. “I turn 101 later this year and the secret to getting to this age is to keep exercising as much as you can, I still walk up and down my stairs every day. “Also, eat your Cheerios in the morning and keep busy with family and friends.” [caption id="attachment_67862" align="alignnone" width="680"]

CELEBRATING . . . some of members with Edna and Nancy[/caption] Branch chairman Richard Reade MBE paid tribute to the dynamic duo – who are the oldest members of the branch. He added: “This is their day, they are centenaries and the branch wants to celebrate them. “It’s great to honour them, that generation deserves praise and honour. Nancy is actually still on parade and still marches. “They are both brilliant people, they touch everybody by their presence and have the room in stitches. You couldn’t ask for two better members. “I’ve known them for many years and I know they bring a smile to everybody’s faces.” And national chairman Mr Boe added: “It’s very important, especially as both Nancy and Edna are war time veterans, that we recognise them. “It was an honour to hand them out and meet both Nancy and Edna.”