RETIREE Margaret Cornwell, 82, is testament to the saying being young at heart takes precedence over ageing.

The independent living unit resident plays sport twice a week, has self-published over a dozen children’s books, poetry anthologies and is a budding philanthropist for the youth sector.

The grandmother of five enjoys writing stories and poems for children about fairies, frogs, bees, butterflies and penguins from the animals’ perspectives.

One of Margaret’s poem’s Fairy Dell reads:

“At the bottom of our garden

There’s a tiny fairy dell

Over by the fish pond

And behind the wishing well.”

“One of the character’s in my book, Froggie, teaches children about frogs,” she said.

“I’m very fond of children and story-telling takes me back to my past.

“I can relate to how little children are feeling, it’s a hobby and I get a lot of pleasure out of it.”

The St Andrew’s Lutheran Aged Care resident moved into her unit in the Tallebudgera Valley in July and loves her new home, she was summoned straight up to compile a poem about the service.

“I was given memorabilia from an employee like a silver locket, an earring and something related to Christmas to give me insight into the past and then wrote it,” she said.

Margaret’s books are distributed at a small cost and recently captured the interest of the Department of Education who described her books as “well put together and researched.”

The writer pursues many hobbies and pastimes at St Andrew’s.

“I play tennis twice a week at Palm Beach where I enjoy the company, the exercise and appreciate the fresh air,” she said.

“I like to walk around the complex enjoying a nice view over the Tallebudgera Valley and I can also see the school and watch the children play.

“It’s wonderful to go to all of the functions St Andrew’s provides for us with other residents.

“I am hoping we can start a poetry group here for people.

“St Andrew’s has such a wonderful atmosphere and the staff are brilliant; it was meant to be.”