A BELFAST woman who came into the world the day after Titanic’s short life ended has celebrated her century with a tour of the ship’s legacy attraction.
Isabella Young was at Titanic Belfast yesterday to learn more about the mighty liner.
“It’s only in the last few years I’ve heard the name Titanic mentioned,” she said as she entered the first gallery.
“I’m not just talking about as a child but for my whole life there wasn’t a word about it.
“No-one ever talked about it. I know a bit more about it now but I’m still interested in hearing more about the Titanic.”
Mrs Young grew up in the Woodvale area of Belfast in some of the hardest times the city has every experienced.
Despite the widespread poverty, she has nothing but fond childhood memories and was looking forward to seeing the Titanic Belfast galleries depicting the city during her own early years.
“I can’t wait to see it all. I’ve heard a lot about this exhibition and I’m looking forward to it. There were hard times for everyone in Belfast back then.
“My father worked as a labourer for the News Letter and then my brother got a job with the paper on the production side. We didn’t have much money but we never wanted for anything.”
Mrs Young’s first job was in the Truform shoe shop in High Street but she started work in the kitchen of Royal Belfast Academical Institution in the early 1930s.
“There were some real gentlemen about in those days – but there are still some real gentlemen about today too,” she added.
Commenting on the new Titanic Belfast building and the weekend commemorations, Mrs Young said: “I was always proud to come from Belfast and I’m proud of what we’re doing at the minute. It’s definitely something we can all be proud of.”
Garth Macklin, of the Park Manor residential home in Dunmurry, accompanied his celebrated resident on her trip to the attraction.
He said he couldn’t be happier for Isabella and that she deserved all the fuss.
“We all wish her a really happy birthday as she is a wonderful and very lovely lady — still full of fun at 100.”