Mrs Chris Kellys 90th Birthday
Mrs Crisannthe "Chris" Kelly, (nee, Georgopoulos) - (pronounced Yeoryopoulos) was born in Potamos, Kythera, on the 17th January 1910.
Local identity Mrs Chris Kelly was guest of honour at a 90th birthday afternoon tea held at the Gilgandra Bowling Club on Saturday January 15, 2000.
Over 350 people from Gilgandra and district, Dubbo, Sydney, Canberra and London were in attendance, and as master of ceremonies Bob Jackson said, “these were only some of the many friends who have known and loved Nanna Kelly since she came to Gilgandra in the l930s.”
Many tributes were paid by various guests to Mrs Kelly and her late husband Paul who for many years ran the ABC Cafe.
Mrs Kelly responded in her usual quiet and gentle manner. Further to this was a list of over 100 people who were unable to attend due to other commitments on the day.
Among guests who travelled to help celebrate this great milestone were Theo Kelly from Sydney, George, Jan and Jessica Kelly, who came from London, as did Jonathan Aird her grandson. Grandaughters Eleyna Beed (Lane Cove) and Kristi Ulgiati (Dubbo) accompanied by their husbands Stuart and Dean and great grand children Nicholas Beed and Georgia and Isabella Ulgiati were also present. Unfortunately her two other granddaughters Nicole and Kate ‘Kelly were unable to attend due to work commitments in England.
Her Godchildren Phyllis Phychogios and husband John from Canberra, travelled up and back on the same day to share the special occasion. Nick Matis and his wife and sister who came from Sydney as well as the Lorandos, Poulos, Cassimatis and Calopedis families were also in attendance. It was a family reunion with extended family of Gilgandra people who have known Mrs Kelly making it a truly special occasion.
A delicious afternoon tea was served by the ladies of the CWA Evening branch who very kindly donated their services as a gesture of appreciation and respect for the many years of service Mrs Kelly has given to the citizens of Gilgandra.
The gratitude of the entire family was expressed on the afternoon to these wonderful ladies.
