William Johnston with his daughter Liz
For the centenarian was sent a presentation bottle of his favourite tipple, signed by staff from the distillery which makes it.
William believes one of the secrets to his long life is his nightly thimble-full of Glenmorangie and when daughter Liz Robson contacted the makers in Ross-shire to order a bottle and told them of her father’s passion for the malt whisky, the firm made a special effort.
As well as his telegram from the Queen, the popular father-of-two also received a bouquet of flowers from the Post Office – which still remembers him 38 years after his retirement.
William spent the first 19 years of his life in Gretna Green, just along the road from the famous Blacksmith's Shop. His first job was at the local pharmacy, where he learned to press out pills and make up medicines, before he joined the Post Office, working in both Preston and Carlisle.
It was at Carlisle where he met his wife Mavis, a telephonist at the Post Office, and they married in 1938. William served in the Royal Navy during World War Two, and on his return he took on his first Postmaster position at Appleby, followed by moves to Billingham and then Bridlington, where he retired in 1973.
William moved to live near Liz after Mavis died in 1996, living in Athol House, Ponteland, until last year when he moved to Grange Lea, where he enjoyed his birthday celebration on Sunday. He was joined by Liz and his other daughter Eileen, from Surrey, and his three grandchildren, two of his four great-grandchildren and family friends.
Ponteland Mayor Peter Cowey and Mayoress Sheila Cowey also dropped in to join the celebrations. Coun Cowey said: “William had a great day and it was a pleasure to join him and his family and friends to mark his centenary and add our own congratulations.”
Daughter Liz, of Gosforth, added: “It was a lovely day – it was great to see so many friends there and all the family who had travelled up from Surrey and Leamington Spa. There was also a collection by Athol House and we’re going to install a seat in the garden there with a plaque commemorating dad’s 100th birthday.”
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