100 clubs celebrate new and old members
Sundale and Anglicare Southern Queensland have recently held celebrations for their centenarian clients.
Four centenarians from Sundale aged care facilities in Queensland have recently come together to share their longevity secrets.
Marie Rose Clarke,104, from Coolum Waters Care Centre; Peg Morse, 103, from James Grimes Care Centre; and Phyllis Butt and Lois Mayers both 103 and both from the Rod Voller Care Centre are members of the not-for-profit provider’s exclusive 100 Club.
They all have different opinions on the secret to living a long and happy life.
For Ms Clarke, it’s hard work. “I started work at 14 scrubbing floors on my hands and knees and doing ironing with a flat iron that was heated on the stove.”
For Ms Morse, the secret to a happy life is minding your own affairs. “Not sticking your nose into other people’s business,” she said. “I have no right to do so. I don’t tell people what to do.”
Ms Mayers said: “Living a clean life and giving credit to the Lord.”
Ms Butt’s secret to a long and happy life is a carefree mindset. “Don’t have any worries. Be happy, take one day at a time.”
Sundale CEO Helen Sharpley said the centenarians were much loved members of the community. “It’s an honour to care for and befriend these four amazing women,” said Ms Sharpley.
“They have each led amazing, deep and meaningful lives and have left a lasting legacy on their friends and family and the Sundale community. Sundale is a richer organisation because of Rose, Peg, Phyllis and Lois and their warmth and wisdom.”
Celebrating a century
Meanwhile in new appointments to the100 club, Anglicare Southern Queensland recently celebrated the 100th birthday of home and community program recipient Sydney Bacon.
Born in 1923 in Derbyshire in the East Midlands district of the United Kingdom, Mr Bacon’s centenary milestone was recognised with a morning tea at Bethania Community Centre in Logan in south-east Queensland.
Joined by his fellow respite centre clients, Mr Bacon enjoyed cake – made by an Anglicare volunteer – and chocolate.
After serving in the army during World War II, Mr Bacon set up his own upholstery business. “I wanted to look at making wingback chairs,” said Mr Bacon. “I made them different to what was typically available. I did all the outside plain and the wings and the arms plain and, on the inside of the seat, I did a beautiful pattern.”
It was during this time, Mr Bacon met his wife Joan. The pair married in 1948. In 1973, they emigrated to Australia and lived in Brisbane before moving to Bannockburn, a suburb in the City of Logan, more than 30 years ago.
When asked the secret to his longevity, Mr Bacon said being a non-smoker.
“I don’t smoke, and I have never smoked. In the army they would give me a cigarette and I would chuck it out. I think if you don’t smoke, you’ll live a good life.”
These days, Mr Bacon enjoys reminiscing about the good old days, playing games, exercising, and listening to music – his favourite being Beethoven and Andre Rieu.
Mr Bacon also enjoys participating in the Anglicare Home and Community program. “I love the Anglicare staff. They’re wonderful; marvellous. They’re the kindest people I’ve ever met,” he said.
Anglicare Southern Queensland group manager for home and community Sue Montgomery wished Mr Bacon many happy returns.
“We are so pleased that we could celebrate Sydney’s 100th birthday,” said Ms Montgomery. “He is such a character and is loved by all our staff and clients. Happy 100th birthday, Sydney.”
Main image: the four Sundale centenarians
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