Wanderlust Margaret recreates iconic Hepburn pose, funding Egypt experience

Years ago, she visited Egypt and dined by the Nile, now the 87-year-old retired registered nurse satisfied her wanderlust with a visit to the Ramses: Gold of the Pharaohs Exhibit at The Australian Museum.

Margaret was a star in the 2024 Movie Magic Calendar created by some of the residents of Uniting Starrett Lodge and featuring iconic movie scenes such as The Shining, The Wizard of Oz, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Breakfast at Tiffany's, in which Margaret stars as Audrey Hepburn's Holly Golightly.

After they gained national attention by appearing live on Channel 9's Today show in December, sales of the calendar went through the roof and almost $2000 was raised to fund bucket list opportunities for the participants.

"It was so exciting to be a part of the calendar, dressing up and being photographed like an actual star and then appearing on live television. It was all so exciting and now I get to make a long-held dream come true and visit the Ramses exhibit in Sydney," said Margaret.

Margaret, who grew up in Leeton and then moved to the Central Coast to attend high school in Gosford, qualified as a registered nurse at Hornsby Hospital and worked at several other hospitals during her career including Concord Hospital before retiring in 1990.

"Coming to this exhibit is special to me as I love all things Egyptian. I am absolutely fascinated by the history and the beauty. I once travelled to Egypt and had a picnic in the desert and dinner by the Nile River. It was incredible," Margaret said.

"For me, just seeing the artefacts, the jewellery and the artwork is just amazing. You can only imagine how incredible the pyramids looked back then thousands of years ago.

"I can't wait to learn more about Ramses as he was the greatest pharaoh that ever lived."

Margaret is the second resident to tick an item off her bucket list thanks to the funds raised from sales of the calendar.

David Baines, who featured as Jack Nicholson's character in the horror movie The Shining, visited FighterWorld in Newcastle a few weeks ago.

Uniting lifestyle and wellness coordinator Bettie Taylor said she is working hard behind the scenes to ensure the Lodge can facilitate as many bucket list items for the residents as possible.

"It is so exciting for them to be able to do something they've always wanted to do and wonderful that we can help make that happen," Bettie said.

Ramses: Gold of the Pharaohs Exhibit is on at The Australian Museum in Sydney until May 19. It has more than 180 ancient Egyptian treasures.

For more information, visit australian.museum/exhibition/ramses