General News
15 August, 2023
Beryl’s zest for life inspires
AT 94, Port Campbell’s Beryl Garrow’s zest for life stems from her life motto “keep moving and volunteer”.
AT 94, Port Campbell’s Beryl Garrow’s zest for life stems from her life motto “keep moving and volunteer”.
Born in a small hospital under Flemington Bridge in Melbourne, she grew up with two siblings, a brother, and a much younger sister.
With 12 years difference, Beryl was often charged with babysitting her younger sister, which was quite an inconvenience for the then 16 year-old discovering all the joys of life including dating, dancing the Jitterbug and American soldiers.
“The American soldiers were known for having silk stockings and chocolate, items that were very scarce during the war, making them even more popular with Australian women,” she said.
“This often caused some tension between the American and Aussie soldiers, and I remember hearing the whistles, often indicating the start of a fight, which was pretty exciting.”
Her love for chocolate and men in uniform saw her marry an Airforce soldier, Peter, at the age of 21.
“He used to say to others, that he won me over with chocolate coated almonds,” Beryl said.
At 15 Beryl began working at Melbourne’s Georges – a busy department store in Collins Street providing exclusive goods.
“Only the wealthy shopped there,” she said.
“If you worked there, you could get a job anywhere.”
Beryl worked in the model room, taking tailoring measurements.
In those days married women did not work, so, at 21 Beryl settled to become a housewife and raised their two sons at Moonee Ponds.
Beryl always loved the country and made the treechange to Port Campbell more than 40 years ago.
The couple’s son Ray, also settled on a dairy farm in Cooriemungle after marrying a local woman from Scotts Creek.
Volunteering at the Timboon Lions Club was an opportunity for Peter and Beryl to get to know the community.
The act of giving and kindness runs through Beryl’s veins as her father cut other people’s lawn and her mother sewed clothes for charities.
“I love helping others,” Beryl said.
“Volunteering gives you a purpose in life and keeps you going.”
Volunteering continues to keep Beryl active, and she looks forward to her shifts at the Timboon Opportunity Shop (TOPS) and helping at the local church.
When she is not volunteering she goes on her daily walks, does some gardening, plays bowls and up until six years ago she would go for a swim at Port Campbell.
Beryl also enjoys attending the Social Support Group day at Timboon and District Healthcare Service.
“I find it difficult to sit still and do nothing,” Beryl said.
“I’m so excited to finally have our own bus and I love our regular outings.”
Prior to the discovery of an enlarged thyroid gland (Goitre) two years ago, Beryl had no health issues.
“I started to suddenly lose weight and decided to go and see my doctor at the Timboon Clinic,” she said.
Now on medication to manage the condition, Beryl continues to stay as active as possible.
“I like to take an interest in something new every day and keep moving,” she said.
“It’s no good sitting still.”
If Beryl’s zest for life and volunteering has sparked your interest and you have a bit of time to spare contact TDHS’s community engagement officer Sabine McKenzie on 5558 6000 to have a chat about the volunteering options at TDHS.
Ms McKenzie will be able to work around your individual schedule and work with potential volunteers on any ideas they have to make it interesting and beneficial for all parties involved.