Centenarian Beth Watts spent many of her years tied to the town clerk

Bedford Heights Estate’s Beth Watts has a story or two to tell about the biggest events in regional Victoria over the past century. 

Born in Horsham in 1923, Beth’s father owned a shop that sold everything from jewellery and sporting goods to farm equipment and her mother was a teacher before she married. 

Life in Horsham revolved around farming, sports and social events. Beth said music also played a big part in her life. 

“My sister was a gifted pianist and my father and grandfather were wonderful singers,” she said. 

Beth grew up with many sports, including tennis, swimming, water skiing and dancing, where she would often encounter her future husband Jack. 

After school Beth became Secretary to the Town Clerk (today’s equivalent of a Council CEO). 

Jack was a prisoner of war from 1942 to 1945 in Changi and he arrived home to a welcome from the Town Hall staff (including Beth). 

He stepped out of the car to give her a kiss, before continuing on to his family welcome at home. 

They married not long after in 1946 and had a son and a daughter. 

After almost 10 years as Town Clerk of Horsham, Jack was appointed Town Clerk of Bendigo in 1956. 

Although as a married woman Beth was not able to do paid work, she had a full time job as the Town Clerk’s wife - with important responsibilities such as supervising debutantes for their balls, attending formal events, entertaining numerous overseas visitors and being on many committees. 

“I was expected to attend all the functions the Mayoress was attending - mainly annual meetings of various organisations,” Beth said. “At the time there were also a lot of balls and we were expected to attend these. 

“The main one was the Mayoral Ball with invitations very much sought after. 

“There was always a debutante set at the Mayoral Ball and I had the job of chaperone which meant attending all the rehearsals, often sitting in cold halls wondering if the various groups would ever reach a standard fit to present - and they always did. 

“At the Ball we had to accompany the Mayor and Mayoress to three settings of supper…the Ball was very formal with Jack and the Mayor wearing their robes, men wearing tails and dinner suits and women wearing long gowns with long gloves.” 

Fundraising, cooking for dinner and afternoon tea parties, judging entrants in the Miss Australia contest, working for Meals on Wheels and driving children with disabilities to their swimming lessons were some of the other tasks Beth took on. 

When Jack retired the couple enjoyed many trips around the world and loved to travel. 

After Jack passed away in 2005, Beth decided living in Bendigo wasn’t the same anymore and upon visiting a cousin who lived in Bedford Heights decided to make that community her new home. 

“I have made many friends here and enjoy the social events. I am also close to some of my grandchildren here in Melbourne and Geelong,” Beth explained. 

Nowadays, Beth’s time is spent listening to music, reading, walking, socialising with friends, spending time with family and attending functions at Bedford Heights. 

Beth now has six grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren and said while some of them live overseas, she is lucky to have some living nearby and enjoys watching them grow up. 

When asked how to live a long life, Beth’s advice is extremely well rounded: “Regular exercise, a balanced diet, a glass of wine each night, socialising with friends and family and keeping mentally active.” 

To read about more of the celebrated centenarians in the Southern Cross Care Community, click here.