|
|
Dick Reid celebrates his 100th birthday by tucking into a meal which included six oysters, at the Best Cafe yesterday. Photo by Stephen Jaquiery. |
When someone asked Dick Reid what sort of cake he wanted for
his 100th birthday, he said: ''Bugger the cake - take me for
a feed of oysters''.
Why? Because he had celebrated every birthday for the past
century with cake, and when you turned 100, you need
something a little more momentous, he said.
''Oysters and chips is my long suit - it's my favourite
meal.''
So he celebrated his milestone yesterday with Bluff oysters
and chips at the Best Cafe in Dunedin, with his fellow Oxford
Court residents.
Mr Reid said he was a regular at the cafe for many years,
living on a daily lunchtime diet of fish and chips while he
ran his bookmaking business.
''You name the gambling, I've done it. I'm a gambler. I was
born a gambler. I love the thrill you get when the odds turn
your way.''
Oxford Court Rest Home co-ordinator Yvonne McNeil said Mr
Reid was ''a real character''.
''He's got a great sense of humour and a great memory, and he
loves to play cards and indoor bowls. He's a ray of sunshine
- a real character.''
Unfortunately for Mr Reid, there was no getting away from the
inevitable birthday cake yesterday.
He had a second celebration with friends and family at Oxford
Court yesterday afternoon, at which he was encouraged to do
the traditional birthday cake-cutting.
When asked what the odds were of him reaching his 101st
birthday, Mr Reid said he was confident they were in his
favour.
''I'm a gambler at heart. I can always find something to
gamble with,'' he said with a chuckle.
''The odds are very good on me making 110 - maybe even 120.
''I come from good stock. I go forever and ever and ever.''
It sounds like a bet he won't worry about losing money on.
- john.lewis@odt.co.nz
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.