NEWS DESK
Centenary a family celebration By Janet Edwards*
“ALICE, you have mail. From Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.” Yes Alice Meyer, your long awaited card from The Queen has arrived to congratulate you on reaching the monumental milestone of 100 birthdays on 12 March. Alice, many years ago, promised her family that she intended “to be around long enough to receive a birthday card from The Queen”. And it has finally happened. Alice’s birthday was a great opportunity for her ever increasing family to enjoy a truly happy family reunion, to be able to share this special occasion and to celebrate with Alice. In December 1945, Welsh born Alice left her family in England. She arrived as a war bride in Melbourne by ship on Australia Day 1946, to a sweltering 40 degrees plus. She was accompanied by her ever-loving and totally devoted Australian husband Leo Meyer. Leo was being repatriated from England after having served six years on British Merchant Navy ships during World War II. The couple started building a new life together away from the ravages of war-torn England, raising a family of four children in the Melbourne suburb of Surrey Hills. As happens in families, over time
Family tree: Alice Meyer surrounded by family anf friends who came to Hastings to celebrate her 100th birthday. Picture: Kacey Daglish
the number was increased by the arrival of 12 grandchildren followed by 17 great-grandchildren with a further one expected later this year. In 1959, while planning for Leo’s retirement and to satisfy his desire to have a farm, Alice and Leo searched the Mornington Peninsula. The search led to the family’s move to Hastings. In the early years in Hastings, Alice and Leo served the community in various ways: Alice was a member of the Hastings Bush Nursing Hospital fundraising committee and in July 1970 was awarded a life membership in recognition of her work; Leo was a
member of the Lions Club, and both were active members of Holy Trinity Church, Hastings. Leo was also involved with several other community programs and was particularly passionate regarding improving the town, with particular emphasis on providing services and activities for young people, the aged and the underprivileged. Alice and Leo set a fine example to all of their offspring to follow. They were always so happy and respectful with each other and showed a keen interest in all family members and their wellbeing.
Nominate now for an age-friendly peninsula Delys Sargeant Age-Friendly Awards
Do you know a local initiative, club, group, service, business, or person that contributes to building a stronger local community for older people on the Mornington Peninsula? Award categories • Mayor’s Senior Achiever • PACE Age-Friendly Community • Promotion of Intergenerational Opportunities
For more information
5950 1773 mornpen.vic.gov.au/ delys-sargeant-awards positiveageing@mornpen.vic.gov.au
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Western Port News
3 April 2018
To nominate, simply download a form from the Shire website or pick up a copy at your local Shire Customer Service centre. Nominations close Thursday 10 May, 2018. Delys Sargeant (OAM) was the founding chair of the Shire’s official community advisory committee on ageing (PACE) and was integral in shaping our current approach to supporting residents to age well.
Although Leo died in 2000, Alice, with her stoic nature, continued to be involved with all family activities and remains the family’s truly loved and respected matriarch. Apart from the card from The Queen, Alice received cards and messages from the Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove and his wife Lady Cosgrove and the Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull. The Minister of Veteran Affairs and Defence Personnel, Darren Chester sent a letter acknowledging Leo’s war service and thanking Alice for supporting her husband during the war years. Flin-
ders MP Greg Hunt MP and Hastings MP Neale Burgess presented Alice with certificates congratulating her on becoming a centenarian. Alice, who now lives in The Bays Nursing Home, Hastings, has reached the top of her Mount Everest and can now coast along at this great height knowing she is loved and respected by everyone who knows her, especially her family. Alice has been a guiding light for many years and is a truly remarkable woman. *Janet Edwards is one of Alica Meyer’s four children.