Eve Jeffery
One of the most amazing people in Byron Shire is soon-to-be-centenarian Olive Spedding.
Olive, who will click over into triple digits on June 16, is truly incredible for someone of any age. As well as living independently, Olive is as sharp as a tack. The Mullumbimby resident enjoys a lot of activities both at home and out in the world, socialising through bingo days and family events.
Olive says ‘town’ has changed a lot in 100 years. ‘It’s a big difference,’ says Olive. ‘I remember coming into Mullumbimby with a horse and sulky with mum and dad and tying the horse up to a post near the Court House Hotel.’
Olive was originally from Lismore and moved to The Pocket in 1922. She married Cyril Spedding in 1935 and raised four daughters.
‘I have 17 grandchildren’, says Olive. ‘I have 39 great grandchildren and 25 great-great grandchildren.’
Olive’s secret to longevity is leading a simple life and eating simple food, and she does have advice for those looking to the future. ‘No drinks, no smokes just good plain living’, she says.
‘People should spend less money and go back to living how we did back then. The simple life.’
Olive says she is not worried about turning 100 but she is looking forward to not one but two birthday celebrations; one with family and friends next weekend and one on her birthday at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club.
