At home support client dancing his way to 102

Celebrating his 102^nd birthday on the 28^th of February, Bolton Clarke At Home Support Client Nicholas has spent the milestone reflecting on a life well-lived.

After migrating to Australia when he was 16, Nicholas built a family and farmed fresh vegetables for the community throughout his career – but away from the farm, dancing has remained lifelong passion.

“I was born in Greece and moved to Australia - I can remember the day because we arrived on New Year’s Eve but weren’t allowed in until New Year’s Day of 1937,” Nicholas said.

“I eventually bought a farm with my brother where we grew all the fresh produce, but they weren’t easy times.

“We used to hunt rabbits for food and make clothes for the kids out of hessian bags during WWII,” he said.

After putting his name down as a volunteer during the war, the Australian Defence Force saw a more important job for Nicholas and his family to continue supporting the local community.

“After I put my name down, they declined me as a volunteer.

“They gave me coupons and manpower to keep the farm going, and all the produce was taken to the army.

“We even had the first Chevy truck in Australia, which we had for three months before the military needed it.”

Even though Nicholas spent his life on the land getting his hands dirty, he has always had a passion for dancing.   

“I always loved ballroom dancing and it’s something I did throughout my life.

“I’d harvest produce on the farm before heading to the Vic Markets and would take my suit to go straight to dancing afterwards.

“I would dance to the early hours of the morning then go back to selling veggies.”

After 102 years, 64 years of marriage, seven children, 21 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, Nicholas says he would do all 102 years over again if he had the choice.

“There have been some hard times, but also some very good ones and I have had a wonderful life.”