The 100 Club: These five ladies from Dougherty Villa are all celebrating life over 100, this year (l-r) Muriel Jack, Doreen Sheehan, Elsie Hale, Winifred Jefferies and Hilda Pearson. Image: Lynne Mowbray

Lynne Mowbray This year is a big one for celebrations at Grafton’s Dougherty Villa with five of their residents over 100-years-old. During Thursday’s birthday celebrations for 102 year-old Elsie Hale, it was a perfect opportunity for the five ladies to get together for a memorable photo and to gain just a small glimpse into their lives. Muriel Jack (100), Muriel attended school in Lismore and worked as a clerk until the age of 55. She married Ron Jack in 1939 and had two children Helen and David. Muriel has six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Muriel was involved with the Presbyterian Church community and continues this by attending services at the Villa. Doreen Sheehan (who turns 100 on 27th November) Doreen is born in Grafton and attended school in Southgate. She later moved to Sydney and was a dressmaker. In 1949 she married Thomas and they had two sons. Doreen now has five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Doreen says she doesn’t have a fear of anything and a good storm excites her. Elsie Hale (102), was also born in Southgate. Elsie enjoys old time music, radio talk back shows and 2GF. Over the years she volunteered in several community groups and at one stage was on 14 committees at the same time. She also loves fashion and clothes. Winifred Jefferies (105), is the Clarence Valley’s oldest resident and was born in Southgate, the same year as the Titanic sank. Winifred loves watching her favourite tennis player Roger Federer on TV and still enjoys a walk in the gardens and playing housie. Hilda Pearson (100), Hilda was born on 29 May 1917 in Bedlington, North England. She was 14 when she met her husband to be John (Jack) Pearson. The family moved to Australia in 1952. The couple had five children. Hilda has seven grandchildren and ‘lots’ of great-grandchildren – but she can’t remember their names. On her 90th birthday Hilda celebrated it with a tandem skydive organised by her granddaughter Sloane. Hilda loves to read and her favourite books are novels and romances. The ladies all enjoyed the 1950’s Rock and Roll theme day at the village on Jacaranda Thursday and the opportunity to go for a ride around Grafton in the vintage cars. Hilda said that she loves being at Dougherty Villa and is very grateful for being looked after so well. Winifred agreed and said, “We all get on really well”.