One hundred reasons to smile at Centaur’s Seniors Week celebration
Four Sunshine Coast centenarians have been honoured today at Bolton Clarke’s Centaur Memorial residential aged care community in Caloundra with a special morning tea to celebrate their life achievements this Seniors Week.
Centenarians Mary Schultz, Dell Meincke and Bert Kennelly, each 100 years old, raised a teacup to 100 years at a Seniors Week High Tea surrounded by their friends and neighbours. Each was presented with a commemorative Bolton Clarke Centenarian Club Teacup to mark the occasion.
Mary will celebrate her 101st birthday in October, with Bert to follow in December. Dell turned 100 in July.
Resident Bev Innes also attended the celebrations on behalf of her late husband Michael Innes, who celebrated his 101st birthday at Centaur aged care community earlier this year.
After enjoying their tea, Bert and Mary took to the dance floor to celebrate to the music of local crooner Billy Guy.
“It’s been a lovely day,” said Bert, “and a wonderful surprise – a lovely occasion!”
“I feel very special,” said Mary. “The lovely cup and saucer – it’s so beautiful. It’s such a special gift, the whole day has really lifted my spirits.
“I can’t believe I’m over 100 years old!”
At Centaur Mary is colloquially referred to as the walking encyclopaedia for her quick wit, broad knowledge of local history and a memory many would envy. She has been a long-time active member of Legacy and a devoted supporter of the ex-services community.
Bert, ever the gentleman, is determined to make his fellow Centenarians feel special and was one of the first to congratulate Dell on her 100th birthday last month.
A lover of music and fishing, Dell prepared for her milestone by getting her nails done and hair permed.
Bolton Clarke Diversional Therapist Pam Greig said that it was a joy hearing the residents reminisce and seeing the conversation across the tables during the celebration.
“They all have said that this was just what they needed to lift them up during this time, and not just our Centenarians but everyone who attended today. It’s really picked them all up and made them very happy,” she said.
Residential Manager Clyde Wade said that the excitement in the room was unbelievable.
“They really felt very special,” he said.
Bolton Clarke’s Centenarian Club was launched in 2017 to honour and record the lives of centenarian clients and residents. This year 166 centenarians will be inducted into the club.
