Family and friends gathered at Aitken’s Corner Cafe (most commonly known to older residents as Rassy’s bakery) on Saturday to celebrate the 99th Birthday of Valda Rees.
The day saw them enjoy Sammi’s homecooked treats.
Many travelled great distances to join Val (as she prefers) a lovely, caring lady with an amazing memory who can share the history of her life and the folks she has connected with over her many years.
Val was born on May 6, 1927 at Newstead to Hubert Norman Ehrensberger and Daisy Slee. Her sister Dulcie and brother Harold are both deceased.
She attended Newstead Primary school and at 13 years of age went to Business College, then worked at Prestige Hosiery, initially as a junior clerk, and then secretary to the advertising manager. Her love of this area saw her move to the Argus Newspaper as an executive secretary in the promotions department.
It was during this period that she met the love of her life, Hilton James Rees, who also worked at the Argus, and they married in October 1952.
They subsequently moved to Adelaide where Hilton then worked at the Adelaide Advertiser, and welcomed two beautiful daughters, Clare in 1956, and Catherine in 1958.
Then began quite a few moves, firstly back to Melbourne in the early 60’s, then retirement in Taradale 1985, Campbells Creek, and then Castlemaine where Valda has lived for 26 years.
Hilton passed away in 2011 which left a void in Val’s life, but being surrounded by such a caring family and friends has kept her in good spirits, and her granddaughters, Rachel and Naomi, along with four great grandchildren are her treasures and visit regularly which she loves.