Above: Hallam aged care resident By Kelly Yates
A HALLAM aged care resident achieved one of his greatest desires to celebrate his 100th birthday last month.
Norman Young Pace, who has been living in Hallam for more than 40 years, travelled back to his home town of Birchip on Boxing Day to walk down the main street.
Mr Pace strolled down the street at 10am to the sounds of bagpipes and drums, while more than 200 people cheered him on.
Mr Pace’s son, Graham, told the News it was a dream of his father’s to go back to his home town.
“For more than 20 years he’s been saying that he wanted to do the walk when he turns 100,” he said.
“It was an emotional time for everyone.”
The local police in Birchip closed part of the main street during the walk.
After the event, Mr Pace and his family and friends enjoyed a lunch at the local senior citizens club.
Mr Pace cut the cake and was given a toast by his eldest son Keith.
Congratulatory letters from the Queen, Governor-General, Prime Minister of Australia, Governor of Victoria and the Premier of Victoria were read by four of his great grandchildren.
Mr Pace, who resides at the Hallam Aged Care Facility, has been involved with the recreation reserve and Hallam Hall committees, the Doveton Secondary College Parents’ Association, and was a founding member of the Hallam Senior Citizens’ Club.
Mr Pace married Elsie May Wright on 8 December 1934 and the couple had four children, Keith, Norman, Graham and Lorraine.
Mr Pace has 11 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.
