By ALESHA CAPONE
AT 95 years of age, Williamstown resident Ella Bambery has spent a lifetime helping out the community as a volunteer – and she shows no signs of slowing down.
The grandmother of six was a volunteer dancer and comedienne with the All Sports Concert Party, a troupe founded in Williamstown which toured around Victoria during World War II.
“And what’s more we went to work the next day,” said Mrs Bambery.
She is also life member of the Williamstown Little Theatre, appearing in her first show during 1949.
Theatrical pursuits aside, Mrs Bambery has spent the past 15 years serving “on and off” as president of the Williamstown Legacy Widows Club – a position she presently holds.
Mrs Bambery was among the founding members of the Legacy group, after her husband Harold – who survived the Kokoda Track during WWII– died more than 35 years ago.
“I enjoy meeting the women and having a laugh,” Mrs Bambery said.
“I think my main role, along with the very capable committee, is keeping the women happy and interested,” Mrs Bambery said.
The sprightly senior citizen also spent 13 years volunteering with Mercy Western Palliative Care as a carer and helping families though the bereavement process.
“I’d say those were the most enriching years of my life,” Mrs Bambery said.
“There was a lot of sadness but I also had a lot of laughs and I had a lot of wonderful patients who were shining examples to all of us.
“You get to love your patients.”
“I also did two stints at Meals on Wheels, the first one about 50 years ago and then I did another stint.”
“Then I did two years volunteering at Southern Cross Care in Newport.”
Mrs Bambery said she gave up volunteering at the aged care centre as her chest infections could be contagious for residents.
“All my friends laughed when I said I was reading to the elderly, because all the elderly were younger than me,” she said.
The Williamstown Legacy Widows Club Legacy meets on the second Tuesday of the month at Williamstown RSL.
