Birthday milestone for New Year baby Celebrations double up for local family
LIKE many on New Year’s Eve, Mary McVeigh was at a soiree with friends at midnight on December 31, 1968 when she felt an unusual feeling.
A mere two-and-a-half hours later, she was cradling Peter, her new baby, and the first born at St Vincent’s Private Hospital on New Year’s Day, 1969. The Chronicle immortalised
the moment in its January 2,
1969 edition.
This year, Peter returned to Toowoomba from the Gold Coast to celebrate his 50th birthday “at the place where it all started”.
“It’s great (having my birthday on New Year’s Day), particularly when I was growing up and in my early twenties because you would always be out with your mates for it,” he said.
“I’m fortunate because it is also a real book-end - by celebrating both at once it helps to define each year and you can tick them off when you’re done.
“I took the kids out for a
drive yesterday morning. We went past St Vincent’s, and I told them that was where it all happened 50 years ago.”
He celebrated his half century milestone with a Madmen and Hawaiian themed New Year’s bash at his brother’s
home on the range.
“(Toowoomba) is a great spot and I have a lot of family up here – so it’s nice to celebrate together,” he said.
“Every time I come back there is always something different happening.”
As for New Year’s resolutions, Mr McVeigh is starting this year off with a blank slate.
“I don’t have resolutions yet, (and as for my birthday) I’m travelling to the States with my family next week as part of the celebrations.”