Party of the century: Cyril Blowes celebrates 107th birthday

The former Mudgee stalwart wasn't practicing social distancing with his wife when he quietly celebrated his birthday at Shoal Bay recently.

"History as they say is between the pages, but for Cyril Blowes history is his memories of the 107 years that he notched up on April 4. Cyril has just about seen it all." David Heath of the Probus Club of Port Stephens said.

Cyril Blowes in 1936 opened the first Blowes store in Mudgee, a business that has remained in the family for more than 80 years. The couple raised four children in Mudgee while Mr Blowes expanded his business.

After retiring, the pair moved to Port Stephens in 1980.

In a previous interview with the Port Stephens Examiner, Mr Blowes said he did not know the secret to a long life or marriage. But he did say that good genes and good family helped with the long life, and forgiveness helped with the long marriage.

"Good genes, good family, country life - it's hard to say," Mrs Blowes said. "A bit of luck comes into it. It's a commitment and you do go through changes, which you have to adjust to. We live quietly. We're a happy team.

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"Every marriage, every family, has its up and downs but you need to tread carefully and forgive. Forgive each other and yourself. You have to give to get back."

Mr Blowes said that he was "just an ordinary man" who was was not without his regrets, but was fortunate to have some success in his life.

Mr Blowes was joined by his wife of 79 years, Pattie, friends and fellow residents of Harbourside Haven in Shoal Bay.

Mr and Mrs Blowes met at a ball in Mudgee, where Pattie lived at the time. Mr Blowes had moved to Mudgee to open his menswear business, Blowes Clothing.

They were married in March 1941, one year after Mr Blowes joined the World War II effort. After serving overseas, Mr Blowes returned to Australia in 1945 when the war ended.