Quakers Hill resident has 106 reasons to celebrate this birthday
Quakers Hill Nursing Home’s Beryl Land shares her secret to a long life growing up in western Sydney on her 106th Birthday.
Quakers Hill Nursing Home resident Beryl Land has seen plenty of changes during her 106 years.
Growing up in Blacktown in the 20th Century, Mrs Land saw open pastures and dirt tracks transformed into high-rise buildings, sealed roads and shopping centres.
On March 11, the Blacktown veteran had more than 100 reasons to celebrate when she marked her milestone 106th Birthday.
Mrs Land celebrated the occasion over a special morning tea with family, friends and care staff at Quakers Hill Nursing Home last week.
Assistant nurse Donna Burge, who has cared for Mrs Land for five years described the centenarian as “caring and kind”.
“She always brightens my day with her sense of humour and has always got a funny story to tell us about her younger life,” Ms Burge said.
“She’s an absolutely lovely lady and has a wonderful sense of humour.”
As for the secret to her longevity: “Live each day as it comes. Eat fresh fruit and vegetables and enjoy a drink or two in the evenings.”
Born in 1913 at her grandparents’ home in Harold St, Parramatta, Mrs Land’s family moved to Bowenfells near Lithgow during WWI where her father worked in an arms factory.
During the Depression, Mrs Land lived with her family in Parklea on a poultry farm and almond orchard.
At this time, she worked at a cotton mill in Parramatta, and recalls catching the train and walking in bare feet along gravel roads to preserve her shoes.
Mrs Land married in August 1932 and ran a dairy with her husband in Blacktown along Sunnyholt Rd. She had three children — Bill, Max and Clive.
After WWII, she purchased a home on Eastern Rd, Rooty Hill, across from where the Blacktown International Sports Park stands today.
After selling her home to the NSW Government in the 1970s to make way for a green belt, she moved to Doonside.
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