At Regis Hornsby in NSW, one resident is always first on the bus when it’s time for a group fishing trip.
Margaret grew up fishing with her grandfather, and throughout her life, was out on the boat or pier as often as she could. They would go out to Dolls Point, south of Sydney, as he taught her how to bait the hook and cast out into the water.
Magaret’s love of fishing persisted throughout her life. When she married, Margaret and her husband bought a boat. Together, they spent many days out in Nelson Bay under the sun, catching fish.
When Margaret had children, she also taught them the joys of being by the water with friends and family, and the excitement of a catch. Margaret even taught her grandchildren how to fish, just as her grandfather had taught her 80 years prior. Margaret proudly says that her granddaughter recently caught a 23-inch flathead!
Now, living in aged care, she says she is grateful to be able to continue her passion. “I want to thank the employees at Regis Hornsby for taking me fishing,” she says, “I really do enjoy it.”
Recently, one of these fishing trips with the Home clashed with Margaret’s daughter and son-in-law visiting from America. Instead of choosing between her loves, Margaret invited the pair to come along and join in on the fun.
Margaret’s passion for fishing even landed her an appearance on the local Channel 7 news, promoting a local fishing program.
Whilst fishing looks a little different now, with a modified rod, bread as bait and her wheelchair to keep her comfortable, fishing is still her greatest joy, even at nearly 90.
