Tathra’s Winifred Robinson celebrates her 100th birthday with her children (from left) Brenda, Christine, Robert, Peter, Jimmy, Margaret, Billy and Susie.
WINIFRED Robinson was born the year stainless steel was invented and Australia began building the new federal capital of Canberra.
Mrs Robinson (nee Sproates), affectionately known to family members as “Winnie”, turned 100 yesterday.
Six generations of the Robinson/Sproates family gathered to celebrate the milestone on Sunday at the Tathra Beach Country Club.
More than 150 people filled the club’s main room for the occasion.
Winifred Eileen Robinson was born at Wapengo on February 4, 1913, and was the eldest of eight Sproates children.
She grew up on the family farm and undertook her schooling years at Brogo.
Winnie would later marry farmer Creswell Robinson, who died in 1976.
For the past 20 years, Winnie has lived in retirement in Tathra with her daughter Brenda Hunt.
When asked the secret to her longevity, Winnie ays “no alcohol and no smoking”, while she also recommends hard work and eating three good meals each day.
Winnie said she was now “going for 101”.
“I knew I’d make it because I wanted that letter from the Queen,” she said.
“You don’t notice the time going – I look back on it and it’s gone fast.”
Winnie has always been surrounded by family, including eight children, 29 grandchildren, 75 great-grandchildren and 19 great-great-grandchildren.
Among the guests at Sunday’s celebrations were children Robert, Christine, Peter, Margaret, Jimmy, Billy, Brenda and Susie.
Family members travelled from all around Australia for the celebrations, including from Canberra, Western Australia, Victoria and Northern Territory.
Winnie’s family celebrated the occasion with a specially designed birthday cake and drinks.
There were plenty of smiles and laughs as they reminisced about Winnie being a “great family woman”.
Winnie reflected on her piano-playing abilities and the time she shared two dances at Brogo Hall with legendary Australian cricketer Sir Donald Bradman.
The family has held celebrations at Winnie s home each year since her 90th birthday, but moved to the Tathra Beach Country Club in 2013 to accommodate more people.
Brenda joked they had been making bets for years that Winnie would be “100 not out”.
“Winnie is so placid and quiet, but she’s definitely a family woman,” she said.
“She is a very special lady.”
Great-granddaughter Keely Longmore said Winnie had a great sense of humour and was very entertaining.
“I don’t know what I would do without her.”