Tweni Talk: ‘Young’ Charles celebrates 95 not out

He is an absolute breath of fresh air and inspiration with loads of interesting stories to tell.

July 14, 2018

LEILA EDWARDS 2 minutes read

Resident of Anerley Haven, ‘young’ Charles Owen is wished a very happy 95th birthday for July 7.

LAST weekend, your scribe and Arthur were both pleased and privileged to meet ‘young’ Charles Owen who turned 95 on July 7th. He is an absolute breath of fresh air and inspiration with loads of interesting stories to tell.

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Born in Malta in 1923, Charles reckons he is half Sicilian and half Maltese. His father was transferred to India when Charles was six months old and Charles grew up there and went to the finest schools available.

He is the oldest survivor of his immediate family and has survived a dear wife (died in 2010) and daughter.

He now resides at Anerley Haven and is a member of the board. He still drives and regularly visits friends around the country.

Charles has an awesome memory, hearing and eyesight. Parting words from Charles – “Loneliness is an important factor of old age, how you accept it and manage it is very important.”

Proactive for pets

Dog owners please note that two dogs died unnecessarily last weekend, near the Abingdon Road traffic lights because their owners were unable to keep them inside their yards. Please take all precautions and keep your dogs safe.

Totally oblivious

Your scribe was almost involved in an accident approaching the Abingdon Road intersection from Port Shepstone last Sunday afternoon when a man decided to cross the road slowly in front of her vehicle. She edged to the right hoping one of two things would happen: 1- He would turn and go back, or, 2- He would stand still. But he kept on going and luckily she was able to pass him on the left. She doesn’t even think he was aware of the dangerous position he had placed himself in.

Municipal apathy

The municipality still has not cleaned up the area running parallel to the R102 along Old St Faith’s. Writing to services@rnm.gov.za, as well as asking councillors to try and get it done does not help. Volunteers have personally cleaned up that area too many times before and it is a shame that management at RNM Cleansing Department doesn’t delegate and monitor areas of concern.

Fresh and tasty

Sardines at Pumula were spectacular and the price coming down to R100 per crate and R10 per dozen made it affordable for those who could not catch their own.

Mirna and baby Ashley Nieuwenhuis of Tweni shop for some tasty silver fish at last week’s sardine haul.

What a treat to have freshly-fried crispy fish! Your scribe’s dogs and cats were treated as well.

Catching up

Welcome back to Ruth Prinsloo from working in the UK. She has been spending some quality time catching up with her family. Ruth, Gerhard and Ethan recently enjoyed an extremely exhilarating return trip from Kloof on the Umgeni Steam Railway. The family agrees it was well worth it and little Ethan loved it.

Best wishes

Birthday wishes this week go to Kelvin Hulley (10th), Cynthia Cole, Anton Nel and Gwen Ross (11th). To all those who are ill, like our dear Kingsley Thomas – get well soon! Remember we are thinking of you and your families.

All news to Leila.