Otago Daily Times

Marking milestone ‘just so lovely’

BALCLUTHA

- JACK CONROY

IT is not every day you receive a letter from the Queen, and if you do, it usually means something special has happened.

Balclutha resident Audrey Munro celebrated her 100th birthday on Friday, surrounded by her four children, 10 of her 11 grandchild­ren and more than a few of her 27 greatgrand­children.

‘‘I just feel overwhelme­d,’’ Mrs Munro said.

‘‘It’s just so lovely to have so many here.’’

With impeccable timing, the royal card arrived for Mrs Munro to congratula­te her on her important milestone.

‘‘It was quite nice really. I don’t suppose she really knows who I am, but it was nice to get anyway.’’

Mrs Munro came to New Zealand from Shillingfo­rd, England, at the end of World War 2 with her Kiwi husband.

George Finlay Munro was a pilot during the war and began building a life with Mrs Munro in Balclutha in 1945.

While she loved it now, the war bride was not particular­ly fond of the area when she first arrived.

‘‘I didn’t like the place when I came, and I didn’t think I would stay. But I’ve always liked the people,’’ she said.

She said she might be one of the only war brides left in New Zealand.

‘‘Definitely of those who came to Clutha.’’

 ?? PHOTO: JACK CONROY ?? Reunion . . . Audrey Munro (centre), of Balclutha, celebrates her 100th birthday with her children (from left) Judy Croft, Roger Munro, Gill Meehan and Michael Munro.
PHOTO: JACK CONROY Reunion . . . Audrey Munro (centre), of Balclutha, celebrates her 100th birthday with her children (from left) Judy Croft, Roger Munro, Gill Meehan and Michael Munro.

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