A Long Life of Service

To say that Esther Batstone (1888–1992) led a full life is an understatement, a life that appears etched into her face. These two photographs show Esther in the latter years of her life. The first, aged 92 at home in Guinea Street and still looking sprightly and the second, aged 103 at the Marianella Aged Care Home, Albury.

From a young age Esther entered competitions for home-made produce and goods and during her lifetime was awarded over 700 prizes for a range of activities achieving her final prize aged ninety-six. Although such industry would seem to preclude time for anything else, Esther was an active member of the local community – sitting on numerous committees and working tirelessly for various causes.

Along with producing cakes and crafts for shows, Esther applied her talents to fundraisers for various associations; she was a show judge; produced bouquets from her garden as gifts; conducted free classes on making baskets and gloves; was a member of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) and the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA); acted as president or vice-president of the Albury Associates; was a lifetime member of Albury Horticultural Society; helped establish and run the Women’s Service Auxiliary and Rest Room during WWII; and, was on the roster for the Women’s Volunteer Service (WVS) Rest Room. Even then, still finding time to invigilate at bursary exams, assist at tuberculosis clinics, and work on committees for the Girl Guides and the Red Cross. Relaxation seems to have come from gardening and golf which were combined when Esther built a miniature golf course in their garden.

If community work was a category at competitions, Esther would easily have a few more awards under her belt. Today, Esther’s memory continues to inspire those in Albury to consider how they might better serve their community.