Fidler in the Hood: Betty’s big birthday bash – in words and music
Family and friends travelled from far and near to share the celebrations.
WARMER greetings, friends! Winter woollies have been stored away after a perishing six-week ‘Arctic’ conditions – the cold snap is over and we are now back to South Coast’s usual ‘haute couture’ – T-shirts, tekkies and ‘sonbrilletjies’.
Ring, ring!
Your scribe received a call from Ramsgate resident Isabel Dunlop. “Hello, Rob. Quite a while back I attended your music presentation when you celebrated the end of the war and the defeat of Kaiser Bill. It’s my sister Betty Cunningham’s 90th birthday on August 25th – we are organising a special party for Betty and I’d like you to have a little music presentation for her. Can you do it?”
ALSO READ : Fidler in the Hood: A classic tale of classic cars
Your scribe replied he’s be delighted, but would have to check the diary. After all, this is the Hibiscus Coast and social life can be hectic.
We would be at the ‘Glitter Girls’ comedy show at Azalea Hall that evening. I checked the diary … and the football fixtures. A slight problem: Manchester City were playing Wolverhampton Wanderers at 1.30pm that afternoon. I would have to consult Man City ‘fellow ‘blue’ Mike Berry – we never miss a game and have developed a winning team between ourselves, wearing our City shirts and watching the match on ‘the telly’. It’s a tough life, but we’re committed to our beloved Man City! Surprisingly sympathetic, Mike gave me the go-ahead but added: “If City gets beaten, it’s going to be your fault!” The burden of being a football fan can be tough, friends.
Walter and Kaiser Wilhelm
Pre-approval obtained and music content meetings held with Isabel, who said “Betty likes ‘old music’, so can you put on one or two of her old favourites, from when she was a youngster.
She was rather fond of Gracie Fields and Vera Lynn.” Gracie Fields? ‘Our Gracie’? It was Gracie’s raucous singing of ‘Walter, Walter, Lead me to the Altar’ that led to Kaiser Wilhelm surrendering and losing the Great War!
But, whatever Betty wants, she gets; Gracie would be at her party, as would ‘Our Vera’.
family members and friends at a lovely birthday lunch at Isabel’s home.
She Did It ‘Her Way’
Safe to say, Betty’s birthday bash was a wonderful occasion. Family and friends travelled from far and near to share the celebrations, including Betty’s teenage granddaughter, Nina, who arrived the previous day from Croatia then journeyed from Johannesburg with her mum Pam.
The presentation theme was Betty’s life: from being a youngster to present. Prior to the event your scribe happened to overhear Betty claiming she ‘had seen and done everything in her lifetime and where did it all go to?’ Cue for a song. Sister Isabel had requested Frank Sinatra’s classic ‘My Way’ – a particular favourite of Betty’s.
The last number presented was ‘Where Does The Time Go?’ which summed up the afternoon and Betty’s memorable day. Accolades to ‘little sister’ Isabel for organising the occasion.
Betty and Isabel are undoubtedly devoted sisters. It was left to Betty to tell it like it is. “The key to a happy life is having one’s family close to you; plus a lovely sister and friend like Isabel.” Who could ask for anything more in life? My ‘abstinence’ of not watching Manchester City wasn’t too painful.
Mike kept me updated on the score – thank heavens for the iPhone. City didn’t win; but didn’t lose either, so we’ll fight on another day.
‘Glitter Girls’
The day ended at Azalea Hall to watch the comedy show by ‘The Glitter Girls’, featuring the talented and eye-catching Lisa Bobbert, Liesel Coppin and Marion Loudon. The show was bright and breezy, naughty, but nice too.
Lots of razzle-dazzle, funny lines and tunes from not-so-long ago. Certainly the full house audience knew the songs. A case of ‘Thank You For The Music’, which was a ‘pop’ song only 35 years ago!
As we seem to be in a new, present-day wave of ABBA nostalgia once more, it was all such good fun. Congratulations, Liz Curran and the Residents’ Activities Committee, for again putting on a tremendous evening, You should have gone into show business, Liz! See you, Rob.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on WhatsApp 082 421 6033
