Happy 100th Birthday to Betty Watt and to Rose Tutty

There are two lovely women now living at Molong’s Prunus Lodge who will be celebrating their 100th Birthdays over the next few weeks.

One being former Cumnock resident, Betty Watt - formerly of ‘Tenanbune’

Cumnock who has lived through 10 decades of both local and Australian history. Seeing so many changes throughout her life and remembering them with great humour made Betty’s time with the Express a fascinating interview. One that gave an insight into the historical, cultural, social history of women born in the 1920’s to today.

“I don’t feel any different than when I turned 50 (years of age)” said the country girl who grew up on the family property ‘Yarran Grove” (Cumnock) with her parents James and Olive Murray and siblings, sister, Marjie Sparkes and brothers Gordon and Bruce.

“I loved every minute living on the farm” said Betty who recalled days of riding horses, helping on the farm - and going to the little school at Myrangle where she walked 3-4 miles to attend. “Sometimes we rode our horses”.

When their first school closed, Betty and her siblings travelled to Yullundry where a small school operated. It was a lovely time for the young woman who remembered her love of woodwork, leatherwork making crafts, and the beautiful sewing and knitting skills handed down through generations to Olive (Betty’s mother), and the Murray family.

Cooking was another skill - handed down from grandmothers to daughters. Knowing how to dress and cook farm killed meats in wood fired ovens, delicious puddings to fill hungry tummies, breads ... and of course, the customary sponge with cream fresh from the farm cow, golden eggs from obliging hens, and delicious jams from the line up of home-mades in the kitchen pantry.

At 21 years of age, Betty headed to Kapooka for 3 years to help with the Australian Army World War II effort. “I worked as a tailoress making alterations to soldier’s uniforms” . “I felt sorry for the soldiers leaving Kapooka by the truckloads to serve. I wondered if they were trained enough to fight overseas.”

Betty remembers working on the fashion floor at the Western Stores in Orange. A position she loved as a sales woman who had to be dressed impeccably each and every day - dressed in traditional shop floor black. Adding a string of customary white pearls - and making sure nails, eyebrows and hair and make-up were ‘perfect’. And, no ladders in ones black stockings!

Betty has been blessed with two childrendaughter Judith (Barr), and son Andrew Watt. 5 Grandchildren Johanna, Lucinda, Leighton, Justin, Frith; 7 Great-Great Grandchildren and 3 Great-Great-Great Grandchildren.

Betty’s husband Alan Watt passed away some years ago.

The Express, on behalf of local and district residents would like to congratulate Betty Watt on achieving 100 birthdays.

Happy 100th Birthday to Rose Tutty photographed right with Paula Roberts (Recreation Officer) at Molong’s Prunus Lodge.

Rose and Betty Watt are good friends at Prunus.

Whilst Rose did not want to be interviewed - she was still able to speak fondly of her life saying “I’ve enjoyed my life”. She is looking forward to a birthday celebration at Prunus Lodge and time with her family and friends who will be visiting her on her special day. Happy 100th birthday Rose on your forthcoming special birthday.

Around the traps

Meet Cudal business couple, Wayne and Heidi Walker - the creators of the fabulous Newmarket Saddlery and Country Clothing enterprise in the main street of Cudal.

Sited on a large block of land, the Walker’s vast new building is huge. But also the right size to accommodate an amazing range of all kinds of saddlery products, boots, coats, vests, jeans, work gear, belts, leather goods, silver jewellery etc.

Even more amazing is the Walker’s approach to pricing - absolutely affordable. The Express was certainly surprised to see the price tags of great labels.

Wayne and Heidi commenced their business in North Richmond (which they still own and operate) both as an instore and online service. With the Cudal district providing an excellent range of facilities for campdrafting and showjumping events - the Walker’s choice of setting up in Cudal is a very good move.