Emma Pritchard

As Grafton resident Doreen Robb, (nee Crampton), celebrated her 97th birthday on May 18, the best present she received was the company of her brother and sisters, who joined her for a special lunch at the Grafton District Services Club (GDSC) last week.

Dorothy (Dot) Peacock, Violet Tracey, twins Molly Crampton and Dawn Trent, Queenie Oxenbridge, and Len Crampton, whose ages range between 88 and 96, all live locally and independently, and always ensure they catch up with one another at every available opportunity, especially when one of them is celebrating a birthday.

The surviving siblings were among 13 Crampton children who were all born and raised in various parts of Northern NSW.

Mrs Robb’s daughter Diane Robb said while her Aunt Queenie was unfortunately unable to attend the celebrations last week, it is always wonderful to see her aunts and uncle get together, describing them as a remarkable group of senior citizens.

“They have all lived and grown up in the country, and they’ve led amazing lives,” she said.

“Up until the Covid-19 pandemic, Molly, Dawn, Violet, and Dot all taught ballroom dancing through a social group they started, and Len worked on the original Snowy Mountains Scheme.

“The sisters all live locally in the Clarence Valley while Len lives nearby in Coffs Harbour.

“As Mum is the eldest surviving sibling, the others refer to her as the family matriarch.

“The family loves seeing them come together again.”