Bingo loving Beryl James celebrated her 109th birthday at BUPA Mt Sheridan on Tuesday
A Cairns centenarian has celebrated her 109th birthday with cake, gifts and a special card all the way from Buckingham Palace.
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On Tuesday July 25, Beryl James officially turned 109, making her just two years younger than the oldest living woman in Australia.
The centenarian, who only moved out of her Earlville home at 102, celebrated her birthday with cake, morning tea, a card from all her friends at BUPA Mount Sheridan and one from King Charles and Queen Camilla, among other gifts.
Her youngest daughter Vicki Brown said her mother had seen a lot in her time having lived through two pandemics, two world wars and nine prime ministers.
“She has always been very active, loves to socialise, has been an active part of the community – tuckshops to cake stalls in my school days – and if asked about her secret, she’d owe it all to exercise,” Ms Brown said.
“She walked everywhere all her life because she didn’t drive.
“She played tennis and golf and even had a walking group in the nursing home where they’d walk three times a day.”
Ms Brown said Ms James’ birthdays had always been a “subdued affair” in her younger days but remembered her 100th as being extra special.
”She was in Canberra at parliament and both sides of parliament addressed her.”
BUPA General Manager Lisa Atkins said Ms James was a marvellous woman and congratulated her on the “massive milestone”, acknowledging the fact that Ms James didn’t always like being the centre of attention.
“Last year we did a big one and she didn’t talk to us all last year – we had music and everything and this year we promised we wouldn’t do that,” she said.
“She’s very engaging with everybody which keeps the brain active.”
Activities Coordinator Chris Tuffin said Ms James was very straightforward, truthful and had a positive attitude.
“She comes to bingo three days a week, loves to attend concerts at happy hour and likes to get involved,” she said.
“She’s not a drinker, except for special occasions but she didn’t want any for her birthday.”
Ms James shared her birthday with Councillor Cathy Zeiger, who was also present at the party.
At 109, Ms James has outlived her husband, who died in his 60s, and three of her siblings and has only started losing her hearing since the start of the year.
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Originally published as Bingo loving Beryl James celebrated her 109th birthday at BUPA Mt Sheridan on Tuesday
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