Anyone who has ever met Yvonne Thornton could tell you that she has fit more into her 95 years than many people could fit into three lives.

While the still very active hairdresser and carpet bowler now calls North Tamworth home the mother, grandmother and great-grandmother has just about seen it all.

Ms Thornton grew up in the post-WW1 depression era of Sydney. One of five children, she and her identical twin sister Elaine were almost inseparable, unlike their limbs and joints.

Doing dance lessons, a teacher soon discovered that the twins were ‘double-jointed’ and with a bit more training the pair became the well renowned ‘Owen Sisters’, a vaudeville contortionist act that saw them hit the bright lights of the Tivoli Theatre, as well as plenty of other stages and performance halls around the state.

That was just one chapter in a life lived well, a life that also saw her open a hairdressing salon with her sister and saw them head to Hong Kong before she married a soldier and left the bright lights for a quieter life on a farm in Piallaway. 

“I suppose I have had a full life,” Ms Thornton said.

“I have loved it all.”

The former contortionist is still working as a hairdresser to this day, and is well known around local hospitals and nursing homes for her caring touch and gentle ear.

Just last week, the independent nonagenarian passed the test for her full driving license without a problem, which is just as well as she plays carpet bowls three times a week, attends the early service at St Pauls every Sunday and does laundry for friends at various nursing homes.

She is also in training for a carpet bowls tournament at Lightning Ridge later in the year.

“Doing things, meeting people and keeping active keeps me going,” Ms Thornton said. 

“I just love getting out and talking to people.”