Age is no barrier when it comes to playing tennis

A 90TH birthday celebration is a great milestone for most, yet Violet Went had to play her favourite sport as part of her celebration – Tennis.

Violet gathered with some family and friends to the Torquay Tennis court for her celebration in which the court was there before Violet was born in Hervey Bay.

Violet was born here in 1933 and lived with her family at Ghost Hill. She recalls the famous “old water tower” where her father would look out during World War 2. 

They could see the coastline clearly with a fear of enemy ships visiting our shores.

With her primary schooling at Pialba State, she had to attend Maryborough High School for secondary education as there were no high schools in Hervey Bay.

This meant she had to board in Maryborough during the week and catch the train back to Hervey Bay on Friday.

“I was scared of the train” says Violet. She recalls an accident when chasing the train which lead to her falling off and having concussion.

The one doctor in Hervey Bay looked at her scars and sent her back to Maryborough for the hospital.

Then one afternoon her friend introduced her to a young man on a motor bike.

This gentleman was Robert ‘Bob’ Went became her husband for 68 years.

The marriage has created a large family that includes 17 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren, with another due in December.

“I had 51 people at my birthday; all family. It was wonderful.” Says Mrs Went.

Violet only recently stopped her daily walk of three kilometres. “They want me to use my walker; the paths aren’t great.” She still drives her car short distances because “the roads are getting too busy. I like to drive to the tennis court.”

We all wish we were as active as Violet at her age.