DULCIE Bartram and Ian Bish are not your average 21-year-olds.
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That's because they are actually turning 84.
Such is the life of 'leaplings', or people born in a Leap Year on February 29.
Sixty-three years ago when she first turned 21, Dulcie did not have a party as she was the mother to a little boy.
Despite not wanting a fuss this time around, Dulcie, who these days calls Kangaroo Flat home, celebrated her milestone with family in Torquay on the weekend.
The mother of 12, grandmother of 27 and great-grandmother of 13 said she had an "unbelievable weekend".
Dulcie, who traditionally celebrates here birthday on March 1, said celebrating every four years had become a "fun game" for her children and grand-children over the years, who often commented they were catching her age.
She remembers, as a child, celebrating her first birthday at the age of four with a big party.
Grand-daughter Adele Lowry said Dulcie remained "fit as a fiddle", playing bowls twice a week, also helping out at the local op shop.
She said family was very important to her grandmother, so whether it be Christmas Day or any other celebration, a big turnout was assured.
It’s estimated about four million people world-wide will celebrate a birthday tomorrow.
If being born on February 29 wasn't remarkable enough, the unique date holds extra significance for retired Charlton farmer Ian Bish.
His late father was also a 'leapling' and celebrated his 21st birthday 40 years ago.
Janet Bish said matching his father's feat of reaching 21 would be a proud milestone for her husband.
"As someone said there's probably lots of people born on February 29, but not everyone makes it to 84 and have their 21st birthday celebrated," Mrs Bish said.
"It's quite exciting."
About 60 friends and family are expected to gather on Monday at the Charlton Uniting Church hall.
They'll include the couple's daughter Leonie, who flew into Victoria from Perth last week together with three of her four children.
"The oldest one is doing his final year in high school and he can't get the days off," Mrs Bish said.
"There's also three Bendigo grandchildren who will be at the party and some friends from different places my husband belongs to like the Lions club and Seniors Advisory Committee.
"It's turned in to quite a big deal."
Mrs Bish described her husband as a quiet, but active man, who was mad keen on football and cricket and in his younger days, snow skiing.
