Brian Winspear celebrates 99th birthday at bowls club and reveals secrets to long and happy life

Former RAAF flight lieutenant Brian Winspear has revealed his secrets to a long and happy life on his 99th birthday — and he’s already got celebrations booked in for his 100th.

Brain Winspear celebrating his 99th birthday playing bowls at the Royal Hobart Bowling Club. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

ON his 99th birthday, Brian Winspear said the secrets to a long and happy life were eating an orange a day, plenty of nuts — and having a house with stairs.

Over a round of bowls, a game he has enjoyed for 65 years, Mr Winspear said staying active and socialising were important, and bowls provided that.

“I like the companionship and the challenge, the people that bowl. It’s a great sport,” he said.

A life member of the Royal Hobart Bowling Club, the club’s president Patrick Yeung praised Mr Winspear for being a “fierce competitor on the green and the ultimate clubman off the mat.” Mr Winspear, a former RAAF flight lieutenant, celebrated over a ginger beer yesterday.

“I drank too much beer and too much whisky and too much gin until I was about 82.

“When I have any of those now I just fall over.” Mr Winspear joked that living to an old age required “choosing your parents carefully”.

“I’m not old yet. I’ve already booked in my 100th birthday celebrations — that’s going to be a big one.”