90 Cups for Mary

By Kath Gannaway
MARY Lawrence was born on the day the Melbourne Cup was run in 1905, and on that same special day, in November this year, she celebrated her 90th birthday.
“I turned up at 9am on the first of November, so I’m told, and everyone was delighted … it didn’t mess up their Cup Day,” Mrs Lawrence said of her arrival.
Mrs Lawrence has lived in Yarra Glen for 68 years and, with her late husband, Bill, has been involved in many community activities.
She said her birthday party, held at Henkell Winery in Dixons Creek was magnificent.
“There were such a lovely lot of friends and relations from all around the district and my neighbour, John Crocksford, made me the most wonderful birthday cake,” she said.
Among many beautiful gifts was a joy flight, which she shared with another of Yarra Glen’s recent well-known people, Fred Sadlier.
Although flying was not a new experience to either of the daredevil 90-year-olds, Mrs Lawrence said it was exciting to see the Yarra Valley from the air.
Mrs Lawrence said she enjoyed her independence, still loved to cook and that nothing would stop her enjoying her regular game of carpet bowls with all of the good folk at the local bowling club.
Showing the spirit that has endeared her to the Yarra Glen community, she declared:
“I broke my knee cap a few years ago now and the doctors said I would never play again … but by crikey, I’m still playing.”