In 1911 the RMS Titanic was launched, the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre and Italy declared war on Turkey.
But in that time, something just as special, and closer to home, happened, that would forever sit in the hearts of people who live in Port Macquarie.
On May 21 of the same year, Mary Nina Hicks was born in Glasgow, Scotland, to Charles and Mary Harrigan.
But 80 of her best years have been spent in Port Macquarie, a place she’s called home and has seen it grow and evolve into its present-day state.
Mary’s wonderful achievements were marked with a community celebration in Friday at her residence of Mary Knoll, and a family party on Saturday.
But Mary’s never sat back and watched things happen — it was about hard work, her daughters Margaret and Ann said.
Mary was known from day-one as a hands-on person and, even from her roots as a housemaid in Port so many years ago, fevered by searching for a job during the depression, she has put her nous into knowhow to bring her elegance, feisty sense of determination, and grassroots country practical and polite attitude to remain to this day one of Port’s most rewarded citizens.
It was at a community dance that Mary met the love of her life, John (Blue) Hicks, whom she later married and who remained her partner for life.
John, in fact, was the first green keeper at Port’s first golf club at the Oxley Oval site, and he continued his passion in the field for years beyond.
So coupled with a love of the coast and farmhouse knowhow, Mary and Blue were here to stay for good, heightened by a “get up and go” for dancing and family life.
Mary and Blue raised three beautiful children, Margaret, Ann and the late John Junior, and her two daughters remain in the region to this day.
John Senior, although passed, is fondly remembered by clubs and members alike.
But this week it’s Mary’s life we celebrate, who, still very active, has received a letter from the Queen, State authorities and a visit both from Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams and Council’s Director of Development and Environment Matt Rogers. Mr Rogers presented Mary with a centenarian certificate, while a plaque will be placed under a tree at Hennessy Park in her honour. Mrs Williams made a presentation on the Saturday.
But what should be noted is Mary’s acknowledgement as a life member of Westport Bowling Club, with bowling her key passion.
Not only so, but she was at the top of game, taking out a plethora of bowling accolades and awards.
Mary has eight grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren.
And as her daughters say, in continuance of their mum’s “never to stop” shoes: “Put your heart into everything, be determined, love your family.”
