From Tennis Courts to Cruise Ships, Dorothy Martin

When Dorothy looks back on her life, she couldn’t be happier. She is most proud of her family and all the wonderful things they did together. And it was surrounded by family that Dorothy and her husband Kevin celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary back in June. They have three children, 11 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.

“I met Kevin at my auntie’s farm – she had a two-storey house and a huge property. My uncles had a tennis court built, and all the young ones from nearby would come around to have a go. That’s how Kevin and I met. We were both tennis players,” said Dorothy fondly.

She then added, “The property was so big that Cobb & Co, who delivered mail by horse and carriage, would call in at the property to change their horses on their way from the Blue Mountains to Sydney.”

At the time, Dorothy lived on Woodville Road. As their home sat at the highest point, they had stunning views of the Harbour Bridge. She also mentioned growing up with lots of uncles. “There were 12 children in my mother’s family; she was the last born and the only girl!”

After many wonderful years of tennis, Dorothy and Kevin took up playing bowls at the Umina Bowling Club. “We once played against the Smithfield Club. We ended up winning, and they were so shocked - as they were so used to winning - that they left without joining us for lunch, as teams usually did,” Remembered Dorothy vividly.

Dorothy and Kevin spent five wonderful months travelling around Australia and really enjoyed their time spent at Ayers Rock (now known as Uluru). They also travelled overseas, visiting America, and their love of cruising has seen them take nine cruises.

“We once entered a competition and a week later won a $10,000 cruise around New Zealand.”

“I feel like I’ve had a wonderful life. My only advice would be to always live your life the best you can.”

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