8. NINETY – NOT OUT!
On Monday 9 February 2004 Cecil celebrated his 90th birthday - co-incidentally the day he was born was also a Monday! - outliving his own and Mamie’s siblings by a long way.
A wonderful celebratory lunch was enjoyed the day before, being a Sunday, on a most glorious, hot Cape summer day at Glynn and Steve’s Constantia home. At Cecil’s special request, recalling the meal his mother would frequently prepare for the family, not knowing when Father would return home from his business calls after office hours, the main course was Lancashire Hotpot.
Cecil was in high spirits, enjoyed himself immensely and was naturally the centre of attention for the 25 descendants who attended. The singing of “Happy Birthday to You” was led by the great-grand children but with all present joining in. Cousin Charles was a worthy representative for family not directly descended from Cecil.
This most memorable family occasion was well attended but sadly we missed the following who could just not be present for a variety of reasons: Grant (in Harare), Bonnie (in New Zealand), Kevin-John (in Johannesburg), John (Terri’s husband – in the Caribbean) and Carol (Anthony’s wife – in Johannesburg).