Long life recipe

By Bridget Cook
THE recipe for a long life is happiness, good food and a great husband.
That was the call from Chestnut Gardens Aged Care, Doveton, resident Doris Vale when she celebrated her 103rd birthday on Thursday 13 January.
The milestone occasion was celebrated among friends, and topped off with entertainment and a big birthday cake.
And though Mrs Vale insisted she didn’t want a big fuss made for the occasion, the modest woman became emotional as everyone joined in to sing happy birthday.
“I’ve had a good life,” she said. “I couldn’t wish for anything better.”
Mrs Vale was born in England and came to Australia when she was five years old.
She was a ballerina for a long period of her life and travelled around the country with a dance company.
She met her late husband Rupert while living in Parkdale and had one daughter, who sadly died at the age of 21.
Mrs Vale lived independently in her home in Parkdale until she was 101.
It was during her time in Parkdale that she met her best friend Sally Beaini about 26 years ago, as she owned the local milk bar near her home.
Ms Beaini now visits Ms Vale almost every day since she moved to Chestnut Gardens in 2009.
Ms Beaini said Mrs Vale was an amazing woman. “She’s a brainy woman, she’s got a sense of humour, she’s marvellous, she’s gorgeous,” she said.
“She’s like a mother to me. Whatever happens I’ll look after her.
“I don’t want anything for it, her love and support is enough for me.”
Chestnut Gardens diversional therapist Kylie Cameron said Mrs Vale sill participates in most group activities that are on offer at the facility.
“She’s really active, she loves playing bingo each week and does physio twice a week,” she said.
“She also enjoys when we have entertainers in, she loves to sing along.”