No regrets

Anglicare Aged Care Services client Harry Moir (96, of Howrah) moved to Tasmania in 1974 from a beachside suburb of Sydney.

He quickly fell in love with his new home and has no regrets about building his life here with his wife Gwen and their two sons.

Harry’s life in Sydney revolved around being in, on and around the water. He was a keen swimmer, lifesaver and fisherman, and successfully raced 18 foot skiffs on the harbour.

His first dip in Tasmanian waters left him horrified at the cold: “I dived in at Carlton and walked straight back out again,” he recalls. “There were no warm currents like we had in New South Wales.”

Harry built a house for his family in New Town and enjoyed his career as a foreman in the construction industry. He treasures memories of leisurely Sunday drives down the Huon Valley with Gwen and the companionship of a close-knit circle of friends.

Animals have always held a very important place in Harry’s life, from an abandoned Jack Russell puppy he was allowed to keep as a child through to a dog who died at the same time as Gwen passed away. He endured some time with a broken hand one winter by collaborating with a friend on a comic strip-style story featuring Clyde, a sulphur-crested cockatoo that he rescued from a shed.

Harry enjoyed bowling three days a week before reluctantly giving it up several years ago after a fall.

“I miss the good-natured stirring, the banter,” he reflects. “These days I’m an avid reader; I particularly like books on sailing. I can’t see the water from my unit but I can see the mountain.”

A vegetarian for 30 years, Harry still does most of his own cooking.

He appreciates the assistance he receives from Anglicare with cleaning, personal care and shopping, describing his care team as ‘marvellous’.

I can’t speak more highly of them,” he said. “They are from all nationalities and they are delightful company – very gentle and lovely.

Longevity runs in Harry’s family and he misses his wife and friends dearly.

“I can be a cranky old coot and sometimes I feel sorry for myself – but I’m very much looking forward to turning 97 in September,” he said.

PIC:  Harry Moir, pictured at home in Howrah, is looking forward to turning 97 later this year.

Find out more about Anglicare’s Aged Care Services here. 

Go to www.findhelptas.org.au to find community services available for older Tasmanians in your local area.