How I discovered that my Mother in Law thinks I am old

A tale of how the mighty have fallen ………….

When I told my Mother in Law that I was attending the Senior Citizen’s Awards this morning, she wanted to know; “What award are you receiving?”

But, I actually did receive a reward – the privilege of sharing the joy of life with so many Senior Citizens who have continued to give unselfishly during their ‘twilight’ years. Not only that but I think that my luck rubbed off on a number of people sitting at my Lucky Table number 6 which hosted 4 major winners – Stephney Loots and Olga Meyer (2 Main Winners) as well as Birthday Boy, Joseph Blaauw (also a lucky draw winner) and his wife, Nancy Blaauw.

The very first Senior Citizen of the Year Awards took place at the Protea Marine Hotel today. It is the intention to make this an annual award so may I suggest that we shorten it to the SCOTY?

A recital by Mrs Malan was followed by a session of Laughter Yoga presented by Celeste van der Walt. One of the categories of person excluded from the Laughter Yoga session was ‘anyone who is heavily pregnant’ – no-one sat out. Apparently a Laughter Yoga session is the equivalent of 20 minutes of exercise and we all needed it after a slap up lunch. Please don’t tell the Longhair that I hid the Lindt chocolates under her pillow!

What a great idea to honour our Senior Citizens – I honestly hope that those Senior Citizens who are just ‘waiting to die’ will take a leaf out of this bunch of energetic citizens book and also take back respect by aping our award winners.

It was honestly an honour and privilege to be invited to sit in on the awards and see the great delight that some of the men took in stealing a quick squeeze from Jackie Wilson who handed the certificates out. The women were a little less ‘exuberant’ but also benefited from a hug and squeeze from Shane Gerber. The amount of genuine love and respect in the room was a joy to see.

The main winners on the day were:

• Sport – Stephney Deloris Loots
• Business – Celeste van der Walt
• Community Involvement (90 – 100 years of age) – Gesina Gertruida Craddock
• Community Involvement (80 – 90 years of age) – Olga Meyer
• Community Involvement (70 – 80 years of age) – David Anthony Moorhouse

The following received certificates of recognition:

• Community Involvement (70 – 80 years of age): Andrew King, Arthur Ernst Ahlschlager, Barbara Bright, Ivy Janse van Rensburg, Joan Scherrer, Joseph Blaauw, Jumartha Majola, Louis Albert Mels, Malcolm William Andrew, Mavis Smith, Nancy Blaauw, Nuleie Xantini, Thomas William Horne, Vuyiswa Mackonie
• Community Involvement (80 – 90 years of age): Geoffrey Coombe-Davis
• Business: Nomzi Zondani, Arthur Ernst Ahlschlager
• Sport: Gavin Eugene Stocker, Nomfanelo Jack, Mavis Smith

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE

Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.

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