Carlisle: 104yo Harold Hawthorne Community Centre volunteer attributes longevity to ‘moderation’

WE’VE heard it all before: ‘everything in moderation’ is key to a healthy and happy life.

No one encompasses this more than 104-year-old Lathlain resident Sheelah Rudman who has a glass of wine every night and still does weight training.

Mrs Rudman also volunteers each week at the Harold Hawthorne Community Centre in Carlisle and has done for the past 47 years.

With the centre celebrating its 50th anniversary next week, Mrs Rudman has dedicated her time to the centre for almost as long as it’s been open.

She got involved with the centre as part of a craft group who would knit and crochet coathanger covers, scarves and pot holders.

Becoming a volunteer at the centre gave Mrs Rudman the feeling of being “useful” and she enjoys socialising with other locals.

Having been raised on Hubert Street in Victoria Park, Mrs Rudman moved to Lathlain in 1970 and lives with her daughter Barbara who also volunteers at the centre.

Mrs Rudman said she attributed her long life to keeping physically and mentally active.

“I walk two to three times a day down my laneway and I also use 1kg dumb bells four times a day to build strength in my arms,” she said.

As sharp as a tack, Mrs Rudman also joked that “good genes and everything in moderation” helped her reach the ripe old age of 104, while also having one glass of wine a night.

The 50th anniversary of the Harold Hawthorne Community Centre is on October 10 from 10am and includes entertainment, activities and food.