Williamstown’s Mealor Higham turned 101 on Friday.
The COVID-19 pandemic restricted Mrs Higham’s 100th birthday celebrations last year but she said thankfully restrictions had eased meaning she could now celebrate with family and friends.
“Reaching 100 during the COVID lockdown last year meant a lot of friends and relatives couldn’t be with us,“ she said.
“I’m very lucky this year, that family will be coming from Queensland and Gippsland.
“Sadly, lots of grandchildren and great grandchildren still cannot come to Australia from Canada.“
Born and raised in Williamstown, Mrs Higham attended Williamstown High School before finishing her schooling at Methodist Ladies’ College.
She worked as a typist at the Footscray munitions factory during World War 2, before marrying Williamstown boy, Bob Higham.
The couple was married for 75 years and had three daughters.
Mrs Higham has eight grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
She keeps busy with colouring-in books and is actively involved in the community.
“I enjoy Rotary and Legacy meetings and, as often as possible, have lunch out at various venues – with a little play on the pokies beforehand,“ Mrs Higham said.
“I keep busy and try to do the word puzzle and find-a-word in the paper every day.
“For the rest of the day, if I’m home, I work on the adult colouring-in books.
“I have finished 24 books and more to go.
“Over the years, I have enjoyed pottery and painting, so this has now become a great hobby.
“It’s a pleasure to see each picture when it’s finished and I recommend it to anyone who is alone or needs something to do.
“I couldn’t believe I’d reached 100 last year – now 101 and still going is amazing.
“Everyone asks, ‘what is your secret?’
“Well, I think it’s regularly keeping in touch with everyone you know (just a phone call is good), keep as busy as you can, a whiskey before dinner every night, of course – plus good luck.“
