Local Nan Offers Rogue Mandarin From Handbag

VICKI DERWENT | Lifestyle | CONTACT

A local Betoota grandmother has been caught offering a mandarin straight out of her handbag to her grandson at the footy this afternoon.  

78 year old Shirley Gardner was watching the South Betoota Hawks with her 19 year old grandson when she started to feel a little peckish. Rather than get Luke to fetch a box of hot chips, she opted for the cheaper and healthier option. 

Her grandson, Luke Gardner, recalls the moment his Nan whipped out the orange fruit. 

“So Nan was sitting there wrapped up in a billion layers and I just see her going for her handbag, which can I just say has way too many pockets” Luke told our reporter. 

“I was hoping she was going to get out one of those huge peppermints but then she pulls out a soft looking mandarin.” 

Even after Shirley mentioned how the fruit was in season, Luke refused the fruit which Shirley replied “more for me!” 

“It’s always a mandarin, no other fruit, like how long has that thing been sitting in there for?” Luke questioned. 

After Shirley cleaned off her mandarin, offering Luke a segment of mandarin at each bite, she held on to the skin for the rest of the game. 

The Advocate caught up with Shirley soon after the game to ask just how many mandarins she’s got in that Mary Poppin’s bag of hers. 

“That’s not for you to know, that's for my grandchildren to find out” Shirley said with a little sneaky smirk. 

More to come.