Newspaper Article 2001 – Porridge the Key to 101 Years

Porridge the key to 101 years

GLEN PRENTICE

It’s been a great opening stand so far. Two hundred not out, and the partnership between Berta Begley and her brother Hector McIntyre is still going strong.

The pair weren’t quite raising their bats yesterday as Berta celebrated her 101st birthday with family in Havelock North, but when Hector, at 99, reaches his century mark next April there will surely be no holding back.

Berta is modest about her latest milestone. “Is today a special day?” she asks.

Hector too is in no hurry to reach three figures.

“I’ve had a good life, I’ve done my dash.”

So what’s been their secret to their long lives?

Berta says eating porridge “that’s all”

Hector says being fed well and being worked hard.

“there was no playing football, or hockey or soccer when I was a kid. You had to get hold of an axe and cut wood.

“there was no answering back, and when you got told to fill the bucket, you filled the bucket.”

Photo caption –

HECTOR McINTYRE, 99, with his sister, Berta, who turned 101 yesterday.
HB TODAY PICTURE: DUNCAN BROWN