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Valley’s oldest resident celebrates her 106th birthday
Lynne Mowbray |
Dougherty Villa, Grafton, resident Winifred Jefferies celebrated her 106th birthday on Friday August 24, surrounded by her family and friends.
It is believed that Mrs Jefferies is now one of the oldest residents in NSW, after NSW oldest female resident Agnes Wilson of Northbridge, Sydney, celebrated her 106th birthday, in June this year.
Mrs Jefferies (Win) was born Winifred Matilda Chevalley in Southgate, in 1912.
Win still enjoys her daily game of Housie and reading the paper, to keep in touch with what’s happening in the area. The 106-year-old still has a great fashion sense and takes great pride in looking her best and accessorising her outfits.
Age is no barrier for Win however; the day prior to her 106th birthday, Win was the topic of conversation between staff and residents after taking part in her exercise class.
According to staff, everyone was amazed at how well she was doing the exercises, with comments being made over lunch, ‘you should have seen Win’.
In a recorded interview with Win, she proved that she still has a sense of humour, as she gave us a small glimpse into what it’s like to be turning 106:
Q. What’s it like to have reached this milestone of 106?
A. You get old and tired.
Q. What’s it like to be one of the oldest residents in NSW?
A. I don’t know, I suppose it’s an honour in a way, but I don’t know what you can do about it (she said laughing).
Q. What’s your secret to longevity?
A. I don’t know – I suppose I just didn’t die (laughing). They left me here (more laughing).
Q. How are you spending your birthday?
A. I’m just stopping here and I have about a dozen (family members) coming in for morning tea.
Q. Is there anything special that you’d like to get for your birthday?
A. No. Not really.
Q. What has contributed to your long and happy life?
A. I suppose I’m lucky to be as good (well) as I am, don’t you think?
The management and staff at the Clarence Valley Independent would like to congratulate Win on reaching this amazing milestone.