Centurion Catherine Davis throws down gauntlet over accessible premise for Tomaree Bridge Club

John Monk, Kay’s daughter Caroline Banney, 100 year old Catherine (Kay) Davis, Kay’s daughter Judy McPherson and her niece Eileen Monk who travelled with her husband John Monk from Ireland to mark the occasion. Photo by Marian Sampson.
John Monk, Kay’s daughter Caroline Banney, 100 year old Catherine (Kay) Davis, Kay’s daughter Judy McPherson and her niece Eileen Monk who travelled with her husband John Monk from Ireland to mark the occasion. Photo by Marian Sampson.

 

CATHERINE (Kay) Davis is anything but ordinary, she turned 100 on 11 November and used her celebration party with the Tomaree Bridge Club to champion the elderly and less able in society.

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In a stirring speech Kay stated that the bridge club needs accessible premises, one where all members can have access to the Club activities.

The Tomaree Bridge Club currently meets at the Elizabeth Waring room at the Tomaree Sports Fields.

While the facility has an access ramp it is a fifty metre uphill challenge which not everyone is able to manage.

The Club currently has 160 members of over 20 who are unable to attend due to accessibility issues.

Catherine Davis told News Of The Area, “Ideally we are looking for a place with ground floor access or one with a lift, it is hard for people to get up the stair and the ramp here.”

She believes that playing bridge has kept her mind agile.

Born in Ireland, Kay was a nurse, she emigrated to Australia in 1967 with her husband, after living a life which saw her travel the world to postings that her husband, who was a Dunkirk veteran, held with the British Army.

They Lived in Germany, Hong Kong and Japan during his years in the Army.

Kay has three children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

In recognition of this great lady reaching her century she many special messages including letters from the Queen, Governor General, Prime Minister, Premier and local members.

Kay is hoping that the attention around her becoming a centurion will see the Tomaree Bridge Club gain a more accessible venue allowing older people better access to an activity which will help keep their minds sharp.

Amber Noonan of the Tomaree Bridge Club said, “There are 20 people that can’t come because they can’t get up the ramp, it is too long, the venue is also in need of disabled car parking spaces.”

Kay is a true community champion, taking it upon herself each year to organise the bridge club to support a worthy cause in the community and she is keen to leave a legacy, which she can enjoy for years to come, of an accessible venue for the Bridge Club.

 

By Marian SAMPSON

 

Kay’s daughter Judy McPherson 100 year old Catherine (Kay) Davis, Port Stephens Councillor Jaimie Abbott and Kay’s daughter Caroline Banney,
Kay’s daughter Judy McPherson 100 year old Catherine (Kay) Davis, Port Stephens Councillor Jaimie Abbott and Kay’s daughter Caroline Banney,

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