A gift for the girl with everything

What do you give a lady for her 101st  birthday?

A trip to Docklands and back from Portalington with Port Phillip Ferries and a big bunch of flowers.

Sylvia Blegg’s daughter Yvonne organised the surprise trip on September 28.  The birthday girl was joined by son-in-law Vin and baby brother Don, 93.

The day was calm and sunny, with Docklands looking great.  Sylvia was met at Water Plaza by Port Phillip Ferries manager Jamie Ruscoe who presented her with a huge bunch of flowers.

“This is the best thing that has happened,” Sylvia said.  “It’s a wonderful birthday present.”

Sylvia lives at Indented Head on the Bellarine Peninsula.  The drive to Melbourne would take at least two hours during the morning the peak.

Vin Forder commented that it wasn’t just time that was saved by taking the 7am commuter ferry.

“It’s also the fuel saving and the wear and tear on the vehicle that needs to be considered,” he said.

Sylvia was more interested in the relaxing trip on the water.  And she knows a thing or two about sailing too.

She and her late husband Lyall still hold the record for the fastest 18-footer yacht crossing between St Kilda and Hobart.

“This ferry is the best thing that’s happened,” she said.