THE 16TH of June this year was an ordinary Friday for many in Hervey Bay, yet one resident celebrated a milestone that very few achieve.

Alan Henry Williams celebrated a hundred years on our precious planet that he celebrated in style in Hervey Bay with family and friends travelling from as far as Amsterdam and Bali.

The day was also significant as he was joined by his wife Joan, enjoying over 78 years of marriage.

Alan recalls in 1944 saying to Joan mere weeks before he was shipped off to New Guinea during World War 2, “We have only known each other for nine months, but if we don’t get married now, we will probably never see each other ever again.”

The centenary milestone was enjoyed with a three course luncheon at The Boat Club, followed by a tree planting ceremony the next day at the Botanical Gardens with his two sons, Geoffrey and Gary.

Alan has had a lifetime love of fishing that extends to oystering, crabbing and all things to do with the sea. He built by hand in the garage under his house a marine ply speed boat with his sons and a tribe of friends learning how to water ski behind.

Alan and Joan share a love of amateur theatre, founding the Ballina Players in the 1950s which they oversaw the building of the Players own theatre that is still thriving today. He also is a Life Member of the Ballina Golf Club as a past President. 

We asked Alan what the secret is to living so long. 

“All of the above, but especially fishing and home brew,” said Alan.

He has spent all his adult life striving to perfect the art of the home brew.

Alan Williams has lived a life for many of our readers to admire.