But, on Wednesday morning, Upper Hunter Community Health hosted a high tea fit for a queen in honour of four of their day centre’s regular visitors.

The women – Edna Rowland, Phyllis Ward, Nancy Hopkins, and Eileen Adams – were celebrated with the royal-themed event in the Weidmann Wing at Muswellbrook hospital.

Community Health nurse unit manager Jenny Boyton said it also coincided with with Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend.

“We wanted an event to recognise we had three ladies turning 90 this year and we had one turning 91,” she said.

“They’re all very independent ladies.

“We thought ‘what can we do that’s really special?’

“So we thought it’s the Queen’s Birthday [public holiday], she’s 90, let’s have a high tea celebration and make it a bit royal.

“I think it’s really good to celebrate people as they age.

“These women still have a lot to contribute to the community.

“Also, it’s good for people coming together.

“At Hunter New England health we like that – we like to support the community and bring people together, and this is part of that socialisation.

“Day centre is for the frail elderly – they’re independent, but they’re still elderly people in the community. 

“The activities they do are therapy-based, and it’s a really good thing for our staff to do as well – it keeps them engaged.”

All four women have been members of the local community for decades, and have seen Muswellbrook change with time.