Nerida Winkley will celebrate her 102nd birthday on September 6 with her favourite treat — fairy bread.
Nerida lives at Whiddon, an aged care facility in Casino — she’s lived there since 2018.
Nerida was born in 1923 at Yorklea near Casino.
She grew up with a love of learning and her favourite subject at school was English. After leaving school, she worked as an assistant hairdresser.
She said the 1960s and 70s were her favourite decades because of the music of tha time.
Nerida is known for her quiet and gentle nature. She enjoys simple pleasures — watching the birds in the trees outside her window, welcoming visiting animals to the home, and joining in on yoga and dance sessions at Whiddon.
When asked the secret to a long and happy life, Nerida’s advice is characteristically straightforward: “The right food at the right time.”
Nerida said if she had a message for her younger self it would be this: “Always smile and be happy.”
Although she never married or had children, Nerida cherishes the special visits she receives from her nieces and nephews and has special memories of the time spent with her late sister Rae in Murwillumbah.
For her birthday, the Whiddon community will come together on Friday, September 5 at 1.30pm for a special birthday celebration.
This information was provided by Whiddon Casino.