Barry triplets hit half a century
Fifty years ago the Barry triplets were the superstars of Taranaki, but these days hardly anyone knows their story.
The triplets, who celebrated their 50th at the weekend, spent their first five years appearing in local newspapers until their mother said no more – only giving in for their 10th and 21st birthdays.
Decades on Steve Barry, Sonia Thomas and Chris Barry have fond memories of their youngest years in New Plymouth, and perhaps that’s why they still live there.
On average, 14 sets of triplets are born in New Zealand every year, according to Multiples NZ, and the Barrys understand they were the first set born at the New Plymouth maternity ward, to their mother’s surprise.
‘‘It was supposed to be twins,’’ Chris said.
When the non-identical trio were born their mother had to upgrade to a four-seater pram, with a spot for bags, and life was always busy.
‘‘Pretty much all the neighbourhood would come to us,’’ Sonia said.
‘‘There was always plenty to do,’’ Steve said.
Their mother Lorraine told the newspaper in 1979, ‘‘they’re just like normal children’’.
‘‘They fight like all kids.’’
The trio’s last appearance in the Taranaki Daily News together was when they hit 21 – and they weren’t all that keen on it.
Steve had a mullet he’s not too proud of, and Chris jokes he still had hair. Today, they have three sets of each newspaper clipping, courtesy of mum.
Chris and Sonia often go bike riding together but Steve, although he lives in New Plymouth, travels overseas for work.
Although born on November 13, 1969, the trio celebrated their big half century at the weekend with all their closest family and friends.
As for the newspaper? ‘‘See you in another 50,’’ they say.