KNYSNA NEWS - There was laughter, music, dancing, sherry, and more than a few happy tears at the Tidswell Centre in Hunters Village last Friday afternoon when 11 local residents, all aged 90 and over, were honoured at a special tea party celebrating lives richly lived.

The gathering, organised by Irmela Pakendorf and a small group of helpers, paid tribute to the wisdom, resilience and life stories of the elderly guests of honour - Daphne Hennessy, Dee Vorster, Angela Pedlar, Doreen Borg, Yvonne Murray, Joan Canny, Joyce Miles, Nan Tromp, Johan Whybrow, Derek Muller and John Clogg.

But it was Pakendorf's heartfelt opening words that set the tone for an unforgettable afternoon.

"When I thought about the lives you have lived, I decided to work out how many days you have lived collectively," she told the guests.

"I am no good at maths, but I have my trusted friend called Google, who told me that you have lived a minimum of 406 712 days on this earth."

The room fell quiet as she reflected on what those days had held - nine decades of memories, love, hardship, friendship, family and extraordinary change.

"Days in which you have made nine decades of memories, some sad, but mainly joyous; you have lived life; you have cherished friends and families, many of whom have left us; you have raised children, often during difficult days; you have lived through many historical events and changing fashions," she said.

Pakendorf reminded the guests that ageing should not be feared, but celebrated.

"You have lived when bread cost a penny and TikTok was the sound of the grandfather clock," she joked, drawing laughter from the audience.

"We salute you. We are proud to have you live amongst us. We thank you for your wisdom, your perseverance and your example."

The afternoon's programme was designed to make the honoured guests feel special. Mandy Hackland read a moving prayer titled Fulfilment, while the Christian youth group from Concordia Primary School delighted everyone with a dance performance under the guidance of teachers Chantell Williams and O'Neal Nankoo.

There were quizzes, jokes and much laughter, especially during a humorous skit titled Midwinter Mysteries - described tongue-in-cheek as being "hot off the stages in London and at great expense" - produced and directed by Mandy Hackland and performed by the Hunters Village Players.

Guests were then treated to an old-fashioned tea spread featuring pastries, cold meats, milk tarts, scones, shortbread and sandwiches, all enjoyed over cups of tea and lively conversation.

The celebration continued with a sing-along led by Jenny Shields on guitar, as familiar songs filled the hall and many of the guests joined in with smiles and sparkling eyes.

As the afternoon drew to a close, glasses of sherry were raised in honour of lives that have helped shape the community through generations.

For those present, it was a celebration of endurance, humour, friendship and the precious gift of growing old surrounded by people who care.

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