You would never guess it but the avid lawn bowler turned 100 last Monday.  

Ivy may be legally blind but that hasn’t stopped her. She still lives in the same home her late husband George built, walks to the shops and potters in her garden on a regular basis. 

The popular centenarian celebrated with close family – her son Denis and his wife and her daughter Pam on Monday. A party was also held on Saturday with extended family at the Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club. 

As a much-loved member of the Forster Bowling Club, her friends also held a lunch for her on Thursday.  

Ivy has lived in Forster for most of her life having only lived away for five years when she moved to Sydney and the Hunter region.  

She credits her long life to “sheer luck,” staying active and not eating salt or sugar. 

“I think it’s just been sheer good luck, I don’t feel 100 at all,” she said. 

“I don’t eat salt or sugar. I occasionally have a glass of red wine and I like a glass of black beer in the summertime. 

“I walk a lot and I used to play a lot of tennis but I had to give that up when my eye sight went so I took up bowls.”   

Ivy has been a dedicated bowler ever since her husband persuaded her to give it a go. 

She was still playing up until around Christmas but had to have a break after having an operation on her foot.

“But I’m going to have another try when the weather warms up,” she insists.  

Ivy’s daughter Pam says she has never known her mum not to be an active person. 

“She’s always been sporty. She was playing tennis well into her 70s and she’s still a member of a walking group.” 

Pam describes her mother as a warm-hearted person who is always looking out for others.

“She’s been a fantastic mum,” she said. 

“She’s a very caring woman. When I was sick she would race off and do my shopping for me and if any of the bowls ladies were in hospital she would always go and visit them.

“She has always been well liked by everyone.”  

Ivy has seven grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.