Edna’s an inspiration to others
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Reaching the fabulous age of 90 years has not slowed Edna Lloyd down in any way.
With rare determination to enjoy her life to the full, Edna plays competitive golf two-three times a week, is a member of a bushwalking club, works out at a local gym twice a week and delivers Meals on Wheels. Oh, did I mention that this nonogenarian also belongs to a card group?
Her weekly calendar is virtually full and in her own words, “Life is fantastic and I haven’t lived enough of it yet!” she says with a laugh.
If you are seeking inspiration on how to enjoy life as you age, then this wonderfully positive and relaxed woman has to be the one.
Edna was a teacher in her early days, however when a woman married at that time she was no longer eligible to return to the workforce and it was many years later that she resumed her teaching career. She and her first husband Joe France produced five children, daughter Felicity and sons Andrew, Malcolm, Gregory and Russell.
Throughout her years as a teacher, beginning at Sassafras, followed by Warrigal and then schools throughout the Goulburn Valley, Edna continued to study and became an inspiration to her children and later her grandchildren for her dedication to learning and study.
Marrying for a second time years later, Edna’s husband Bruce Lloyd was a very good golfer and felt he could teach Edna the game and he did just that. As members of Northern Golf Club the couple took out the annual Mixed 4Ball Knockout event a while later. This was her first serious win and the beginning of a great love for the game.
In 1992 the couple moved to Cobram after running a dairy farm at Tatura and it was then that Edna at the age of 60 years really took up the game and together with husband Bruce the couple became regulars on the Cobram/Barooga course.
“I loved golf from the beginning, but it‘s really about the people I meet and the opportunity I have to play with such nice people that makes it wonderful,” said Edna.
Her first major win was the B-grade championship in her second year as a member of Cobram/Barooga Golf Club. “It’s not about the win, I actually just enjoy the game,” she said.
Playing consistent golf over the years, in 2021 Edna took out the C-grade championship in her 89th year.
Playing pennant, ladies’ days both at home and away and playing in local tournaments is all part of being a keen golfer and bettering your game. Edna no longer walks the course, but then she is in the majority of golfers today who elect to drive an electric cart around the course.
Edna has held the position of club captain and president in the past and thoroughly enjoyed each role and was often heard to respond in a typical relaxed manner when presented with a question, “It will happen”.
Bruce Lloyd passed away 12 years ago and while sadly missed by Edna, she gratefully believes “golf has been a life saver for me”.
Today, the 90-year-old plays comfortably from a handicap of 35 and is often mentioned among the winners. Over the years one of her proudest moment was hitting a 67 off the stick. A remarkable score.
In celebration of 90 wonderful years, Edna enjoyed a family dinner in Barooga with her children, their partners and grandchildren, whose lives are spread from Cobram to Wodonga, to Perth and the Northern Territory. The following day a luncheon was held at Thompsons Beach which saw Edna surrounded by a huge crowd of family and good friends who joined in celebration of this special nonogenarian who continues to inspire each and every one of them.
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Cinematographer Stefan tackles huge production for Apple TV
Australian author Gregory David Roberts, formerly a self-confessed heroin addict, wrote a semi biographical story of being sentenced to 19 years in goal for armed robbery and of his escape two and a half years later from Pentridge Prison in Coburg. He spent 10 years on the run and was often listed as Australia’s most wanted man. Using a stolen passport he ended up in Mumbai, where he takes readers on a fast-paced ride and fascinating insight into life in India
Roberts’ story took him 13 long and troubled years to write, with the result a 933-page novel entitled Shantaram chronicles his purported life and will hit the screens on Apple TV later this year courtesy of the talents of Stefan Duscio.
Formerly of Cobram, Stefan is definitely making a name for himself in the film industry being awarded the ACS Australian Cinematographer of the Year in Adelaide on April 30 and working currently as the cinematographer on Shantaram. “I am very proud of this, it’s probably the biggest series and the biggest production I’ve ever done,” he said.
Shantaram was first published in 2003 and reprinted a number of times in several languages. It is controversial and questions are often asked whether it is actually an autobiography or not.
The book is based on real events but it’s a novel, a work of fiction with the hero Lin purported to be Roberts. However, does all of that really matter, for it is a good read nonetheless.
I think I might just pick it up again after initially reading it in 2007.
Congratulations to Stefan Duscio on his continued success and can’t wait to see his new work of art
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Windsor show the best medicine for Queen Elizabeth II
How wonderful to see such brilliant smiles from Queen Elizabeth II when she attended the Royal Windsor Horse Show recently.
A passionate lover of horses all her life, the 96-year-old monarch has not missed the event in 79 years, despite now experiencing mobility difficulties.
With 14 of her own horses competing, she took home one trophy which delighted her enormously and being highly competitive and like most horse owners enthusiastically cheered on all her prospects.
Her youngest grandchild, Lady Louise Essex, 18, daughter of Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess of Essex competed particularly well in the Carriage Driving event. Taught and encouraged by her grandfather the late Duke of Edinburgh, the carriage driven by two magnificent black Fell pony’s was his design and built to his specifications many years ago and with which he had much success.
It was a proud day for the monarch and her family.
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Karl a popular barman at Ladies Day
Cobram Football/Netball Club conducted its popular Ladies Day on Saturday with about 50 club members, committee and netballers enjoying a pleasant afternoon while watching the senior side play outstanding football to easily overcome Numukah, showing they are worthy of their number one spot.
The most popular man about town as far as the women were concerned was barman Karl DeMaria (the only man in a room of gorgeous young women) who generously gives his time and talents as barman each year and has done so almost every year since 1998.
Karl also operates the bar on a Thursday evening when meals are served at the clubrooms and does a wonderful job. He is one of many who do a lot around the club with little fuss and the members and players appreciate enormously his time and efforts.
NB - The Senior A-grade netballers had their first win on Saturday against Numurkah. Yeah.
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