Bid Aitken looks back on good times with her late husband Newt.
By Kath Gannaway
Alice ‘Bid’ Aitken was queen for a day when she celebrated her 90th birthday in April.
Bid was born and grew up in Warburton and moved to Healesville as a young bride after marrying local Newt Aitken.
Wearing a suitably elegant “Happy Birthday” tiara, and surrounded by family and friends the former Healesville community worker was just a little amazed that she had reached such a big birthday, so soon.
For those who know her however, it was no surprise that the years have gone so quickly … she was always busy.
In addition to raising three children, Bid made life-long friends through her involvement in groups including the eye and ear hospital auxiliary and Senior Citizens’ club.
Three of her very best friends, Ev Prouse, Dot McLaggan and Beryl Morrin joined the party and there were birthday wishes from another, Pam Mellies, who was unable to attend.
Bid and her friends catered for all the local balls in their time to raise money and their cookery skills were legendary.
It’s not surprising either then that she worked for a time at the high school helping younger generations come to grips with the complexities of home economics, and passing on her cooking skills.
Helping the local doctors with immunisations and long charity walks from Healesville to Yarra Glen were all good times to look back on.
Bid added world travel to her CV visiting Canada, England, New Zealand and other far-flung places with Newt after the kids grew up.
Bid’s birthday party was held at Kirkbrae in Kilsyth, her home for the past two years.
