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Wednesday 17 March 2010

Batlow resident celebrates 100th birthday

Lyle Allen with Alison MacGregor

Batlow/Adelong MPS aged care resident Lyle Allen is making preparations for his 100th birthday this month.

Nurse Manager Alison MacGregor said Lyle has settled in well after moving to the facility in July last year.

Ms MacGregor said: "Lyle has a tremendous spirit and is bright and alert. He has a remarkable memory and doesn't forget anything. All the staff know he never misses a beat and have prepared a special birthday lunch. The cake will have plenty of candles but he should be able to take care of them all."

Mr Allen will have a small party with staff and residents at the Batlow MPS on Wednesday 24 March before an afternoon tea in Adelong with family and friends. A larger celebration will be held on Sunday 28 March with guests travelling from all over Australia to attend.

Mr Allen was raised on the "Allondale" dairy farm four miles down the Tumut Road in Adelong. He moved to Nacki Creek Bridge in 1922 as a sheep and cattle farmer and at 16 was the first wool classer registered in the Adelong District where he worked on his farm until he was 90 yrs old.

Over his lifetime Lyle has seen a great deal of change but the importance of connecting with family is important as ever.

"We didn't have a television or radio when I was a child. People today have a much better standard of living," Mr Allen said. "Living here in Batlow/Adelong MPS is
wonderful: they treat me like I'm a king."

Mr Allen has four sons and three daughters along with 22 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren. Mr Allen said he is proud of his family and loves them all a great deal.