Minnie’s century
added up to £1300
 But even the birthday girl was stunned by the enormous generosity of the 63 family and friends attending.
Total contributions came to a mammoth
£1300.
“I nearly passed out,” said the sprightly centenarian. “It really made my day.
“People were putting in cheques for £50 and £100. But the occasion made me feel like a film star.”
Magnificent
As well it might. In addition to a card of congratulations from the Queen, a host of dignitaries were queuing up to convey their best wishes in person.
East Lothian MP Anne Picking presented Minnie with a magnificent bouquet of flowers. Local councillor Andy Forrest was also on hand bearing gifts of two crystal goblets engraved with the East Lothian crest, and a bottle of champagne.
The Lord Lieutenant for East Lothian, Garth Morrison, also attended while MSP John Home Robertson hand-delivered a special 100th card.
It seems that Auchtermuchty-born Minnie has become something of a local celebrity, which all started when she and her late husband, Robert, celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary six years ago.
For anyone trying to work it out, platinum represents an extraordinary 70 years of marriage. On that occasion the Gibsons were invited to cut the ribbon for the opening of the new Tesco superstore in the Honest Toun.
Sadly, Robert passed away two years ago, just two years short of his own 100th birthday.
“We had always been big readers of The Sunday Post,” explains Minnie.
“I get it every week and I’ve always wanted to do something for CHAS. This seemed the best time.”
1905 innovations
Just to put Minnie’s amazing longevity into perspective, here are some of the innovations from 1905.
Three days after Minnie was born, on January 18, the Wright Brothers were busy trying to sell the US government its first plane — just two years after they’d made the first successful powered flight.
HG Wells published Kipps, Einstein revealed his Special Theory Of Relativity and the King’s Theatre opened in Edinburgh.
The ice-lolly was invented, the jukebox had its commercial debut and the first plastic, Bakelite, was produced.
Now, a century on, we’re celebrating two other milestones — the opening of Robin House and Minnie’s important birthday.
Many happy returns to you, Minnie.
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Minnie hands her cheque over to CHAS representative Kerry Jackson.
