A Centenarian Celebration

Born in Western Australia, just six weeks after her mother arrived from England, Hilda is one of The Salvation Army Aged Care’s inspiring centenarian residents who resides at Seaforth Gardens, in Gosnells, Western Australia. Born the second child of seven children, she recalls her childhood fondly. “I loved it, we had a happy childhood,” she says. Some of her earliest memories include the family's Clydesdale horse and her father’s vegetable garden. “He had a tomato garden and grew loads of peas and beans," she explains. As a child, Hilda would help him in the garden.   

Hilda often recalls significant moments in history that occurred throughout her life, including the War: “When I was 18, I wanted to join up and my father said, ‘no way!’ Some of the women were ambulance drivers and so called ‘Workers Soldiers,’” she recalls, but abiding by her father’s wishes, Hilda didn’t partake in War efforts. She does, however, still have her rations card, a significant item to keep as her own piece of wartime history. “You couldn’t even get a hanky without a rations card, and I have a lot of hankies, because I saved them up!” 

Hilda can also recall the initial beginnings of new inventions we now in the 21st Century take for granted. “The car I first remember was the neighbours, I think it was a Ford, and sometimes they took us to school.” In addition to this, she remembers the practical washing machine. “My first washing machine was a plunger,” she says. “Then I got a hand one and that went backwards and forwards until I got the electric one.” 

Throughout her adult life, Hilda held various jobs including working in a crayfish factory and a hospital. Her first job after school was working as a Nanny, and it seems this love of children extended into her involvement as a Sunday School teacher at church. In fact, Hilda’s longstanding connection with The Salvation Army extends back to her childhood. 

“When we were little, my Mum used to send us to two churches,” she explains. “The Salvation Army church in the morning and another in the afternoon.” To this day, Hilda’s faith continues to play a huge role in her life. “I still believe He is here watching over me and helping me; the Good Lord.” Hilda’s Christian faith is supported by Seaforth Gardens as well, with Lifestyle staff reading the Bible to Hilda a few times a week, as she completes ‘The Bible in One Year’ program.  

On her 100th birthday, Hilda was celebrated by staff and residents at Seaforth Gardens with a special plaque. “We have a big trophy at our Centre and all our Centenarians get a plaque on the trophy,” notes the Centre's Chaplain, Timothy. 

When it comes to her advice for a long and happy life, Hilda reveals it is all in the daily routine and diet. “I’ve always been energetic; I’ve always walked and did exercises and have been independent,” she states. “I’ve always loved gardening, eating potatoes and beans and broccoli.”