No junk food the secret to Lorna’s longevity

The Albury grandmother turned 100 yesterday and Mrs Willans said plenty of friends and family had helped her to celebrate the milestone.

“I’ve had such an exciting and wonderful birthday,” Mrs Willans said.

“I had a beautiful cake and have had some champagne so it’s just been lovely.”

Mrs Willans received letters of congratulations from the Queen, the Prime Minister and the Governor-General.

And despite her age, the witty centenarian still had her sense of humour firmly intact.

“The letter from the Queen was very exciting,” she said.

“She seems like a nice lady, but I bet she’s had a lot of worry with those naughty children.”

Mrs Willans grew up in the Kiewa Valley and some of her fondest memories are of days spent with her father, catching rainbow trout along the Kiewa River.

“I would often go bushwalking with my dad and spent a lot of time outdoors when I was younger,” she said.

The former girl guides leader has two grandchildren and said being around kids has contributed to her prosperity.

“I particularly loved taking the children camping in the bush,” she said.

“I put a lot of effort into trying to help my grandchildren grow up as good citizens.”

Mrs Willans said plain food and hard work were the secrets to her longevity.

“I only ever ate good, plain food, no junk food like they have now.

“My first job was in a chocolate factory in Collingwood, where I was paid 1 pound a week.”

Involved in charity work throughout her life, Mrs Willans was a member of the Red Cross, the Country Women’s Association and the Austin Hospital Auxiliary.

“Mixing with other people and doing things for those less fortunate is very important.”

Mrs Willans’s only daughter, Barbara Thom, said the low-key party was in keeping with her mother’s no-fuss style.

“Mum didn’t want a big deal, she just wanted close family and friends to help her enjoy the day,” Mrs Thom said.