weekender the western Thursday, March 10, 2016 • Issue 1243
www.westernweekender.com.au
Footy returns home
PROUDLY INDEPENDENT
ENTERTAINMENT Your #1 guide to what’s on in and around Penrith p.49-58
Still swingin’ at 75 Meet the Penrith great grandmother proving that age is no barrier NATHAN TAYLOR
Penrith’s best coverage of rugby league Centre pages
Old mates hit the road p.18 $50,000 TRIP Mayor and Deputy Mayor heading to Asia p.03
W
hile most grandmothers enjoy their twilight years kicking back and watching the grandkids, long-time Penrith resident Gloria Newham does things a little bit differently. This Saturday afternoon the 75-year-old great grandmother of three will be playing right-field in her Penrith City Softball Association second grade Grand Final. Ms Newham is arguably the oldest active softball player in the state, with her Penrith Patriots teammates calling her an absolute inspiration. “When I have a good hit they say ‘if Gloria can do it anyone can’ – everyone is really supportive,” she said. “Our team is very encouraging and we don’t criticise each other at all. We have a lot of fun and laughter, and we’re one of the friendliest teams to play against.” The age range between Ms Newham and her teammates is quite extraordinary with the youngest player in her team 55 years her junior at age 20. “I don’t have anything wrong with me, I’m on no medication so I may as well keep on going,” she said about her future in the sport. “The heat out on the field doesn’t worry me either and the girls are all so friendly. I’ve been playing for so long that I’d miss it if I gave it away.” Despite not remembering the last time she hit a home run, Ms Newham can still bat and field with the best of them. She has no plans to retire, but may consider dropping down a grade next year.
75-year-old Gloria Newham is preparing for her softball Grand Final. Photo: Megan Dunn
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