Her children Les, Rod, Elaine and Marcia plus some of her 14 grandchildren were on hand to congratulate her. Many of Alice’s 28 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren were due to gather on Saturday for a family celebration.
Letters had arrived from the Queen, Governor General, NSW Governor, NSW Premier, plus local politicians. Alice seemed genuinely surprised and delighted as she read each of them out loud, without the need for reading glasses.
Her family noted that while she claims to have “no special secret” for her longevity, she displays a constant love, a quiet dignity and is well recognised for her kind heart.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Administrator Neil Porter presented Alice with a centenarian certificate and photos of the commemorative plaque and tree which have been placed in Apex Park Laurieton in her honour.
Mr Porter made mention of the fact that this was his first centenarian celebration. Straight away Alice quipped “ah, first cab off the rank”.
He also pointed out the tremendous changes Alice would have witnessed throughout her life, including the introduction of motor vehicles, electricity and television.
When asked how she felt about her big day of celebrations, Alice said “I feel happy. I love my family above everything else. I know it will be a wonderful day because I’ve got my kids around me.”
Alice also spoke about the day the first train came through the area and how goods used to be transported to Herons Creek by punt.
“When rough seas meant the boats couldn’t get into the river there were times when food and others supplies would become scarce,” she said.
“My father would row across the lake to get to the Laurieton store and there were hardly any roads then either,” she added.
Growing up on the family farm at Bob’s Creek, Alice attended Heron’s Creek Public School before leaving to work at a dairy farm at Wauchope at the age of 14.
Alice was quick to point out that she did not attend high school, which was common at the time. Her passion for music saw her learn the piano, organ and steel string guitar.
Alice married Steve Latham in September 1929. Together they had five children and lived on a property at Bobs Creek before settling at Heron’s Creek.
During World War Two, Alice and Steve would combine their musical talents and entertain guests at local dance events to raise money for the war effort.
They were also instrumental in the construction of the tennis courts at Heron’s Creek which became a community focal point for many years.
Daughter Elaine Scott said her mum was a great cook and used to sew all the clothes for the children. “
She even made us petticoats out of flour bags when fabric was in short supply.”
According to Elaine, Alice also taught her children well and made sure her skills were passed on.
“She’s still got such beautiful skin,” Elaine said fondly.
Elaine’s daughter Lisa Dixon said her grandmother was an inspiration to everyone in the family.
“She’s one of those people every loves,” she said.
After Alice’s husband Steve passed away in 2000 at the age of 88, she continued to live at home and enjoy her garden and association with the church.
She drove her car until the age of 94 and in 2007, moved into retirement care.
Thursday’s celebration marked a centenary of challenges, family love and quiet achievement. A long life, well lived indeed.
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