Nanango’s Eileen Horne celebrates 100th birthday
The granddaughter of the first white baby boy born in Nanango has celebrated her centenary in style, surrounded by family, friends, and more than a few well wishes from high profile leaders.
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A living Nanango treasure celebrated her 100th birthday on Wednesday July 12, as well as her families South Burnett legacy.
Eileen Horne is the granddaughter of Benjamin Walters, the first white baby boy to be born in Nanango in 1861.
Mr Walters was responsible for building many bridges in the Nanango area during his 16 years working for the council.
On her special day, Mrs Horne received congratulations from King Charles and Queen Camilla, Anthony Albanese and Annastacia Palaszczuk.
Mrs Horne said throughout her 100 years she has seen lots of hard times and some happy ones.
Mrs Horne was a “ballroom dancing extraordinaire” and has lived in Nanango at her family’s farm where she raised her own family and cattle.
“I’ve never seen anywhere else I’d rather be than Nanango,” Mrs Horne said.
“This is what I’ve wanted to do all of my life I suppose, I’ve always been here.
Mrs Horne reflected on World War II, an incredibly difficult time.
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“The war was very hard to live with when you see a lot of your friends that you grow up with go to war and never come back,” Mrs Horne said.
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“Life changed a lot and it’s not as good as the old days,” she said.
Mrs Horne who was once an avid horse rider said the view from her Nanango paddock is divine.
“I look over in the afternoons and see the beautiful scenery, it’s a beautiful view,” she said.
Councillor and friend of 43 years, Jane Erkens, said Mrs Horne looked exactly the same as she remembered her as a little girl.
“You have aged like a fine wine,” Mrs Erkens said.
Mrs Horne spent her 100th birthday surrounded by friends and family at the Tara’s Hall Nanango.
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Originally published as Nanango’s Eileen Horne celebrates 100th birthday
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