from Nottingham Evening Post - Wednesday, October 11th 1995

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Stella's UK goodbye

YOU'RE only as young as you feel, according to Stella Perron.

And she should know - she is emigrating to Australia at the grand old age of 82!

The pensioner, from Arnold, flies from Heathrow on Sunday to join her daughter Joan Crosby and granddaughter Debbie Atkin in Narrogin.

Yesterday friends said farewell at a surprise party at Arnold Age Concern Day Centre in Pond Hills Lane.

And presented her with some English bone china to remind her of home.

"It was lovely," she said.

"I will miss them all. But at the same time I'm very excited. I've been looking forward to going for ages. The best thing will be joining my relatives and, of course, the good weather."

Mrs Perron has already packed her belongings into boxes at her home in Shelsbury Court, where she has lived for the past 11 years.

She first set foot on Australian turf 20 years ago. Her granddaughter emigrated seven years ago and her daughter three.

"The only thing I will miss are my friends from Age Concern," she admitted. "But they promised, that if they win the lottery they will come and join me!"

Mrs Perron has been attending the day centre once a week for three years.

Day centre organiser Judy Wilson said: "She's a smashing lady and we wish her all the best. She deserves it."