Ken May receives Goulburn Lilac City Festival life membership

The 92-year-old Goulburn man was presented with an honorary life membership for his service to the long-running event.

"It was out of the blue. I felt so good being this age and getting a life membership," My May quipped.

"It was delightful and I felt so proud."

Mr May has helped organise and judge the Festival's garden competition since the early 1970s. He and his late wife, Betty-Jane arrived in Goulburn in 1968. Mr May's firm had won a three-year bricklaying contract for the Goulburn Teachers College, which later became the Police Academy.

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Originally from the Central Coast, his family had gardening in their blood. But he soon discovered that while anything would grow in Gosford, Goulburn was a bit trickier.

The couple joined the Goulburn Garden Club, the local National Trust branch and other organisations as a way to make friends.

"When we saw our first Lilac City Festival, we thought it looked pretty good and decided to become involved," Mr May said.

Betty-Jane entered the couple's extensive garden in the Festival's garden competition and won first prize three years running. Gardening had started out as her hobby but quickly became a passion.

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Such success restricted them from re-entering the competition so Betty-Jane decided to run it instead. Two years later, Mr May took over and ran the competition for 19 years. He has also been a longtime judge.

"We both loved gardens and saw some beautiful ones over the years," Mr May said.

"I continue to get a lot of enjoyment out of gardening although I have some help these days."

Betty-Jane died in 2015, leaving a lasting legacy to the city's gardening community. A memorial prize in the Festival is named after her.

Amid recent health setbacks, it's been a year of honours for Mr May. Earlier, the Goulburn Garden Club also recognised his contribution with a life membership certificate.

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He said both groups had enabled him to make many friends.

"I love it and I'll continue to be involved in the Lilac Festival," Mr May said.

"They're a young team and very authentic. I think they'll go places."

President Carol James said committee member Jacki Waugh suggested Mr May should be recognised.

"He is the nicest and most humble man. Ken and Betty-Jane just loved doing the garden competition and we wanted to show our appreciation," Cr James said.

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