News
28 May, 2025
Three cheers to 307 years
Woodford Manor recently marked a milestone of 10 years of dedicated aged care service—but it’s three extraordinary women, all over 100 years old, who truly stole the spotlight at the celebration.
At the heart of this thriving community are Hilary Kelshaw, Ruth, and Margaret ‘Roma’ Berkholz, whose combined wisdom, wit, and resilience represent over 300 years of lived experience.
Hilary Kelshaw, 102, is one of the original residents, having moved in during the facility’s early days when it was still known as Embracia. Hilary is a beloved member of Woodford Manor and enjoys life at Woodford surrounded by a close-knit family. Her daughter Marilyn visits regularly, and their bond is strong and full of love. Known for her elegance and style, Hilary never misses a fine dining evening or themed dress-up event—always stepping out with her trademark lipstick. She credits her longevity to “living a simple, happy life, making your own decisions, and eating well.”
Ruth, also 102, celebrated her latest birthday on May 11 and joined the Manor in early 2025 at the ripe age of 101. Originally from England, Ruth first moved to New Zealand with her husband, where she worked as a teacher for many years before moving to Woodford. Often the first to arrive at exercise class, she’s active in the library, plays cards weekly at the local RSL, and now teaches card games to fellow residents. Ruth says “keeping active” is the key to a long life, explaining why she’s at the centre of nearly every activity and is always happy to lend a hand to other residents, especially during games and social events. When reflecting on her 102 years, Ruth mentioned that meeting people has been one of her favourite memories. She particularly enjoyed her recent 102nd birthday party with friends from the villas. She also fondly recalled building her house in Woodford and living on five acres of land, which she loved wandering around. However, Ruth admitted she doesn’t have many specific standout memories, preferring to live in the present moment, a piece of advice she passes onto the younger generations. “Enjoy life. Live for the moment,” she said.
Margaret ‘Roma’ Berkholz, 103, a former nurse and matron, moved to the Woodford Manor in mid-2023. A devoted NRL Sharks fan, Roma still enjoys gardening, walking, and sharing stories. Turning 104 in November, she says with a smile, “I’m 103—it’s time to put my feet up!” Reflecting on her long life, Roma said she has “no regrets” about anything in her life, and encourages everyone to “eat a lot of junk food” to live a happy life. “I’ve always believed in eating what you like and being happy,” she said with a jar of lollies next to her bed. “I think if everyone indulged in junk food they would live better,” she joked.
The 10-year anniversary celebration also recognised long-serving staff, some of whom have been with Woodford since day one. The Manor’s manager, Natalie Chilcott, said the aged care home came from a community initiative calling for aged care in town, rather than in surrounding areas such as Caboolture. “The community didn’t have anywhere for their elderly people to live, so they rallied together and they sought out a building developer that specialised in aged care,” she said. “To have somebody live in aged care for 10 years, that’s a testament to the care, the doctors, their staff, their emotional support, the mental support, the activities, the keeping that mind going.”
As Ms Chilcott said, their motto at the Manor is simple: fun, connection, and respect—proving that age is just a number.
