Pioneering wartime banker celebrates 100th birthday

A woman who helped break new ground for women in banking during the Second World War has celebrated her 100th birthday in style.

Joyce Gordon, who lives at Wakefield House Care Home in Cullen, was among the first generation of young women to take up professional roles traditionally held by men. 

Joyce marked her milestone birthday with two days of celebrations, taking to the dancefloor as the Portsoy 75 Club Choir entertained guests at Wakefield House. Among those joining the celebrations were the Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire, Andrew Simpson, and local councillor Donald Gatt. 

The festivities continued the following day with afternoon tea at the Seafield Arms Hotel in Cullen, alongside close family and friends.

Joyce's love of dancing stretches back to her teenage years in Edinburgh, when Saturday nights were spent on the dancefloor. “Performing at school concerts with some of her close friends, mum soon developed a flair for dancing and during her teenage years spent Saturday nights at the Plazza, on the dancefloor for every dance,” recalls her son Ronald.

Born in the capital in 1926, Joyce came of age during the Second World War. With many men away serving in the armed forces, women began entering professions that had traditionally been male dominated. Joyce joined a leading clearing bank in Edinburgh as a trainee banker and went on to pass the Banking Institute's associate examinations, paving the way for what could have been a management career.

However, a trip to Moray to help with the potato harvest changed the course of her life when she met her future husband, Willis. The couple married in 1952 and moved between Edinburgh and Moray for several years, eventually taking over the family grocery business in Fochabers in 1964 until retiring in 1986.

In retirement, Joyce became a champion indoor bowler, winning numerous club and open competitions and becoming the first woman to win the Keith Open Pairs. She remained active in the community throughout her retirement, serving as treasurer for local organisations and travelling widely, including a transatlantic cruise at the age of 96.

Anne Smith, Wellbeing Coordinator at Wakefield House, said: "What an emotional afternoon we had celebrating Joyce's 100th birthday. She showed everyone up as she danced along with her sons by her side. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. Joyce is an amazing lady, and we are blessed to have her with us at Wakefield House."

Joyce has two sons, Alan and Ronald, two grandchildren, Graeme and Emma, and two great-grandchildren, Fraser and Alistair.