See the coverage on Pulse Tasmania, 7 News and The Sunday Tasmanian p.12 (subscription required).
Love of a different kind was in the air today, as the family and friends of Von Taylor gathered from around the world to celebrate a very special Valentine on her 100th birthday.
Yvonne Valentine Mary Clark – named for her day of birth – was born in Portsmouth, England on 14 February 1926. Around 20 of her loved ones travelled from as far afield as Perth, Melbourne, New Zealand and the UK for her birthday high tea at OneCare’s Barossa Park Lodge.
Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey was on hand in her mayoral regalia to present the congratulatory letters from King Charles III, the Governor General and Prime Minister.
Von said her “ordinary story” was shaped by the “extraordinary times in which we lived”, with her 100 years spanning wartime Britain, post-war migration, and the building of a new life across three countries.
During World War II, she worked at the then-secret Claremont House in Surrey where Hurricane aircraft were manufactured, and was transported to work each day in blacked-out vehicles.
“The war robbed me of my youth and the education I would have liked,” said Von. “But I had more freedom than perhaps I would have been allowed normally; my parents knew that any day could be our last.”
In December 1952, aged 26, Von left England for New Zealand on a two-year travel bond. She met Jack Taylor in Wellington and they married in 1954. Over the course of their marriage, they moved more than 20 times across Australia, New Zealand and England. Jack and Von eventually settled in Tasmania 10 years ago to be closer to family.
Von’s many roles have included waitress, tram conductress, telephonist, postal sorter, and co-owned businesses with Jack in Coffs Harbour and Sydney. She is also a mother, with the now four generations of her family living across three continents.
Despite her full life, she has always felt torn between Australia and her family back in the UK. She said being a migrant without that family support was difficult, but there were also upsides.
“I did find Australia gave you the opportunity to be yourself and follow your own wishes without having to conform to what would have been expected back in Britain. For me, the best thing about Australia has always been the people.”
OneCare’s Chief Operations Officer Natalie Neilson congratulated Von, and said Barossa Park Lodge was delighted to host her family from all over the world.
“Von has contributed so much to every community she’s been a part of throughout her remarkable life, and now we’re lucky to have her as part of our community” she said.
“It’s been our absolute pleasure to plan this celebration with her family, welcome so many of her loved ones to Barossa Park, and acknowledge her achievements. Happy birthday Von!”
Another love story was on display at Barossa Park Lodge on Valentine’s Day, with 7 News interviewing residents Ted and Patsy Pierrehumbert about their 71 years of marriage. Ted’s advice for a long and happy union was “a kiss in the morning, a kiss at night, and behave yourself in between!”
Von receives her official letters from Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey.
Four generations of Von’s family.
Ted and Patsy Pierrehumbert on their 71-year marriage.
