At least two cakes and three parties with various family and friends were enjoyed by Sybil Gardiner earlier this month, as she celebrated her 107th birthday in suitable style. One of the highlights was a special presentation at the monthly meeting of the women’s section of Warkworth RSA on August 6, where Sybil has been an active member since she moved to the town well over 30 years ago. RSA president Bob Harrison presented Sybil with a certificate marking her special milestone and signed by RNZRSA national president Sir Wayne (Buck) Shelford, which she said she would frame.
The redoubtable centenarian, who still lives independently in her own town centre home and visits the RSA every Saturday for lunch and a glass of wine, said there was no real secret to living to such a ripe old age. “I just take one day at a time,” she said. Sybil and her late husband moved to Warkworth from Wellington after visiting the area on holiday.
“When we came up this way on our travels we always thought this was a nice place to stay – it was near to the sea and it just appealed,” she said. “So we moved up here, but my husband only lived about four years after that and I thought what was I going to do – stay here or go back to Wellington? The family said give it a big think, are you happy up there? I had a son in Auckland and I said I don’t feel like packing up and starting again, so I stayed here and I’ve been quite happy ever since.” Sybil said membership of the RSA had played an important part in her life in Warkworth.
“I love the RSA, I have great times here, they’re lovely ladies,” she said. “It’s a good place to be.” Mahurangi Matters would love to know if there is anyone older in the Mahurangi/Mangawhai district.
You can let us know by emailing.
