By Abbey Cannan
Long-time local Tom Cross was overwhelmed with joy as he celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends at the Warwick Golf Club on Saturday 29 June.
Around 80 members of Tom’s family and friends attended the event, with some travelling from as far as Mackay.
Tom’s good friend Dan Roche said that the party was a very good day.
“Tom got up and gave a speech like he was still a 25-year-old,” Dan said.
“I rang him up yesterday for his birthday and asked ‘how do you feel?’ and he said ‘the best I’ve felt in 100 years.’”
After a century of living, Tom is still as sharp as a tack with a great memory and continues to mow the lawn at his property on his ride on mower.
Tom moved to the Warwick area from Ipswich in the early 1950’s and worked at the Lyndhurst Stud Farm up until he retired in his early 70’s.
Another good friend of Tom, Trevor Campbell said Tom was overwhelmed with all of the love from his family and friends at the party and had a great day.
“I believe he has had a very big weekend,” Trevor said.
“There was an open house at his daughter’s place on the weekend and he has another function on this weekend, so he will continue to celebrate for another week – which he rightly should.”’
Tom continues to stay active by taking care of his great vegetable garden, at his house where he lives by himself, with some assisted care to help him out when needed.
“He brought himself a new car for his 97th birthday, although he does not drive it now, as his licence expired on his 100th birthday,“ Trevor said.
“Every Monday and Saturday night, Tom gets together with a few of his mates and plays cards, and he is very thankful for his friends.
“His daughter and son and extended family also live locally.“
