Geelong’s Allan Bradshaw reached a major milestone on Wednesday, notching up a century as he celebrated his 100th birthday.
The Uniting AgeWell Kalkee Community Murray resident celebrated the day with cake and champagne, surrounded by family and friends.
While he is a mad Cats fan and avid gardener, as well as a keen bowler and golfer in his younger years, one of Allan’s greatest passions in life is chickens.
He was an award-winning poultry farmer but also spent a lot of time working as a chicken sexer – an important role on a poultry farm to confirm the gender of every chick born.
He also worked in the wool industry and later in life became a buyer for small electrical goods at Myer.
Allan was able to share the big day with his three children and three grandchildren who live in Victoria.
Daughter Karen said her father had led a busy and varied life, complete with a touch of drama.
Allan’s family was friends with the late police detective Fred Milne, who was involved in the arrest of the notorious Melbourne gangster Squizzy Taylor.
The friendship led to the detective living with Allan’s family for a few months after Fred’s wife Aimee was killed when their Geelong home was bombed in 1936.
The secrets to that chapter of history may never be known, but Allan had one that could be shared – his secret to a long and happy life.
Karen said her dad swore by having lots of varied interests, keeping fit and walking every day.
“He’s got a bit of dementia now, but he’s still pretty fit for his age and still enjoys going on walks,” she said.
