Helen Cameron’s 90th birthday

On Monday, October 3 Narrabri resident Helen Cameron celebrated the occasion of her 90th birthday with a luncheon at the home of her daughter and son-in-law Meg and Terry Pawley.

More than 70 family members and long-time close friends attended a sit-down lunch catered by Helen’s family.

The cake was made by Meg and decorated by Helen’s granddaughter Sarah Madden.

Among family members who attended were Helen’s aunt, Beverly Burns (née Tindall) the daughter of John and Corrie Tindall, and Marilyn Hart (née Grover), the daughter of Beryl and Frank Grover.

Both Beverly and Marilyn grew up in Boggabri.

Helen was born in Boggabri on October 3, 1932, the daughter of Darby and Clarice Guest.

Later they moved to the family property “Melburra” 50 kilometres northeast of Narrabri.

Helen moved back to Boggabri and lived with her grandparents Laban and Helena Guest to attend primary school.

She boarded at PLC Croydon in Sydney where she attended secondary school before returning to Narrabri to live.

Family and friends fondly remembered Mr Albert Cameron who sadly passed away in April 2007.

Albert and Helen met at the Mallawa Picnic Races in June 1952 and after a whirlwind romance celebrated their wedding in November of the same year.

The couple were blessed with the arrival of four children, Ian, Richard (dec), Meg and Sally.

Helen is today the proud matriarch of the family with nine grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, with another great-grandchild due in December.

Helen has been extensively involved in the Narrabri community over many years.

Her dedication and contribution to various clubs have seen Helen awarded life membership of the Narrabri Pony Club, Narrabri Garden Club, Narrabri Rugby Blue Boars Club and Central North Rugby Union.

Helen was involved in two steering committees which established the building of the Narrabri Swimming Pool and the construction of The Crossing Theatre.

Helen was involved in introducing the game of bridge to Narrabri, having firstly played in Sydney. She took great pleasure in teaching her protégés at weekly bridge gatherings and set off the beginning of what is today a popular pastime in the town.

Helen thoroughly enjoyed her birthday celebrations with her extended family and close friends, with reflections of the years gone by bringing back many happy memories.