Golden soundtrack to 90-year-old Golda’s life

Inyoni Creek resident Golda Britany celebrated her 90th birthday recently.

Golda has always marched to her own rhythm.

When the qualified music teacher turned 90 on June 15, she looked back on a full life.

“She is a wonderful woman. Golda and husband Mike Britany (89) are very active in the Inyoni Creek community,” said Jenny Tonkin, the manager of the Rand Aid-run retirement village.

Johannesburg-born Golda taught music from home for about 28 years.

She comes from a musical family. Her father was a bass player for the SABC, one cousin was a light opera singer and another, Hilda Bor, gave Prince Charles and Princess Anne piano lessons at Buckingham Palace.

Travel was another highlight of Golda’s life.

“I had wonderful experiences travelling to the Far East and going on a magical cruise to Mauritius,” she said.

Today, Golda enjoys jigsaw puzzles, playing bridge and reading.

She and Mike have been married for 65 years.

They moved to Inyoni Creek eight years ago.

“It was the best move we ever made. The people here make this a very special place to live,” said Golda.

The couple met at a wedding. That very night, Mike declared that he would one day make Golda his wife. Three years later, he slipped a ring on her finger and they have been side by side every since.

They have two children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Mike said he always has the last say in their relationship, which is “Yes, dear”.

Golda celebrated her birthday at the Inyoni Creek clubhouse with old and new friends and her family.

The 70 guests enjoyed a traditional braai, which was followed by hearty malva pudding and custard.