Extra special 83rd birthday party for AWI

AMANZIMTOTI Women’s Institute’s birthday party held on Tuesday, 4 September was a great success.

The WI was thrilled to have FWI president Noleen Walker, Alexandra Group executive member Robyn Shwikkard, special guest Eureka Olivier, visitors from sister institutes Umkomaas and Dumisa, several past WI members and of course, its own members who were present in ‘full force and fine feathers’ with their visitors.

President Yvonne Dixie welcomed all and thanked everyone for their many and varied contributions which led to the past year being the success it was.

Noleen graciously handed out trophies awarded to members for highest marks in the variety of categories of competitions which were held monthly. Special congratulations were extended to Alicia Kelner who was given the trophy for highest points overall and Pooky Cup for most number of entries, as well as for top marks in cookery (Edna Peacock trophy), craft (Thora Cole), floral (Moira Murray),and handicraft (D C Shewell). Jean Donkin received the trophy for agriculture and Yvonne Dixie for adult education as well as the Elaine Bjorseth Hard Luck Trophy. Cynthia de Lange was given the D Fairbairn president’s special award for loyalty to WI, and Yvonne the Woodhouse Good Fellowship Tray.

Amanzimtoti WI is proud to be carrying on the good work of all the wonderful members who founded the institute and helped to build up the community over the past 83 years. It acknowledges Amanzimtoti and Kingsburgh are still blessed to have an amazing number of women working tirelessly for the betterment of residents and the community at large. It was with great pleasure and humble gratitude that Yvonne then handed over to Eureka Olivier a special award and certificate, as she has been elected by members as Woman of the Year for her ongoing dedication and commitment to the Bobbi Bear Foundation for abused children and women. Eureka, AWI salutes you and your colleagues for the wonderful work you do under extremely emotional and stressful conditions.

Then came party time. The table groaned with the load of delicious snacks provided by members. AWI was almost done when a tour group from Tugela Tours, led by Mama Themba, arrived to join in the festivities. Members were rather taken aback until the celebrities were introduced, with theme music played by Solomon, the driver cum DJ. These included Charalot Burness, Cameelia Parkinson-James, Dolly Partington, Joanne McEnlloyd, Luella Lagoon, Talitha the Teaser and Lizzie Minella. Everyone happily joined in the closing song, ‘Thank heaven for WI girls!’ (With apologies to Maurice Chevalier). Thank you Myrna, Grace, Alicia, Yvonne, Janet J, Jennie and Dix for the fun-filled skit, the origin of which was written by past member, Sybil Language. Thank you to Rosanne for allowing AWI to share in her mom’s talent.

Thus ended a happy morning with Merle Metcalf perhaps the happiest as she won the lucky draw for the raffle.

Amanzimtoti Women’s Institute meets in the library activities room on the second Tuesday of the month at 9.15am. All are welcome, especially new residents to the area and newly retired women. For further information phone Yvonne Dixie on 031-903-1942 or 074-190-0949.