Gwen’s Century – 100 Years of Music and Living Well

Gwen was born in Derbyshire, England, in a small house in a busy working-class town close to the shops.

Coal mines surrounded the area and life moved at a practical pace. 

She lived through the Second World War, working as a hairdresser while air raids and bombing became a grim part of daily life. Through it all, she kept going.  

Love came early. Arnold was her childhood sweetheart, and the two married in 1944.

When the war ended, they made the bold decision to migrate to Australia. They started building their new life from the ground up in Australia in 1948. Gwen continued her passion for hairdressing and went on to work for Myer. 

Music has always been at the heart of who Gwen is. She is accomplished pianist and found joy in playing and the connections it brings with other people.

When asked about her favourite song, she will tell you Danny Boy, though she loves all music.  

And her secret for reaching 100? Gwen kept it very straightforward: she never smoked, drank very little, ate well with plenty of lean meat, and made a habit of walking and staying active throughout her life. 

She witnessed the Queen’s Coronation, a moment that still feels vivid to her.

She has also seen enough of life to know that advice is a personal thing. “Everyone is themselves and different,” she says simply. 

Gwen has now called St John’s in Wangaratta home for five years and is full of warmth when she speaks about the staff and the care she receives there. 

One hundred years. A life built on love, music, hard work and the quiet wisdom of someone who just got on with it.