General News
6 February, 2019
Loved ones unite for birthday
MAINTAINING tolerance and moderation were the key secrets of living a long and rewarding life according to Kay Wiltshire.
MAINTAINING tolerance and moderation were the key secrets of living a long and rewarding life according to Kay Wiltshire.
The Abbeyfield Mortlake resident celebrated her 102nd birthday on Monday with husband Sam, friends and family.
Speaking on the secret to her longevity, she said living modestly was a major key.
“My message to anyone who is interested is moderation – it doesn’t matter whether you are eating or drinking, whatever you’re doing, if you do it in moderation, you should come out on top,” she said.
“I think tolerance is one of my favourite things because if you don’t have that, life’s a bit hard.”
Mrs Wiltshire said a highlight of her life was her long relationship with her husband.
“Sam’s absolutely wonderful at getting things done,” she said.
The couple recently moved into Abbeyfield Mortlake after living in Terang for about 30 years.
Mrs Wiltshire said it had been “quite a change of lifestyle”, but had no complaints about the service.
She was born the middle daughter of three girls on February 4, 1917 in West Bromwich in England.
She grew up through times of extreme conflict in the small village of Kinver.
After the end of World War II, Mrs Wiltshire travelled to New Zealand via the United States of America in 1947.
Following a year of work as a qualified hairdresser and beautician, she moved to Australia in 1948.
Kay and Sam moved to Terang in 1989 and recently celebrated the 66th anniversary of when they met.
With one son, three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, family has been a big part of the couple’s lives.
Federal Member for Wannon Dan Tehan also paid a visit to Mrs Wiltshire on Monday.
“Kay’s birthday was the first 102nd party that I have attended and it was an absolute privilege to join Kay, Sam, her family and friends in Mortlake,” he said.
“I am always delighted to visit Kay and Sam who together are an inspiring, loving and devoted couple.”