Helen Gurney attributes long life to arts and crafts

The 99-year-old is looking forward to celebrating her 100th birthday on June 4 at a high tea with her family and friends.

One of the hobbies Mrs Gurney has taken up in the past 10 to 15 years is watercolour painting, which she enjoys every week at the Southern Districts Alliance Church on a Tuesday morning.

Her paintings include portraits and scenes from different parts of the world.

She said one of the keys to living a long life was keeping herself occupied.

“Nobody in my family has reached that age,” she said.

“People ask me how I have lived so long and I don’t know what to say.

“I always keep myself occupied and I have always kept myself pretty fit by walking everywhere and up and down steps.”

Originally from England, Mrs Gurney came to Australia in 1952 and has four children.

Her family has expanded from there and she is now a proud great-great-grandmother.

She has been involved with the Southern Districts Alliance Church for more than 20 years and has made cards and been involved in arts and crafts.

The church is calling for more people to come and join in the arts and crafts group which runs each Tuesday, except during school holidays.

Call Ron on 0417 171 120 for more information.