Jean’s 80th birthday
Jean Watermeyer, a stalwart in the
On Sunday, about eighty people gathered at the Aberdeen Club for a surprise party organized by her daughters Colleen Ogilvie and Helen Harris. Those invited had been sworn to secrecy, and to most people’s surprise, this was successful – to the extent that Jean was in a hurry to get home after church to finish setting the table for her family guests for lunch!
The lunch was delicious, and special in that most of the meat served came from Jean’s daughters’ farms. What many thought was gammon was in fact smoked leg of wild boar, caught on Helen’s farm Tandjies View. Succulent lamb was also on the platters, courtesy of Colleen, and cold chicken, garnered on false pretenses from Jean’s own freezer! A special delight was the plates of crumbed prawns, which were devoured with gusto.
Jean’s brother Walter gave a humorous insight into his life as Jean’s younger brother which caused great amusement. They grew up as depression children, and did not have many toys, so they did everything together. He related one story where he had been wearing a long sleeved brand new fairisle jersey (no doubt lovingly knitted just for him) – on hearing that he felt hot, the young Jean had no hesitation in getting a pair of scissors and cutting off the entire sleeves! Another tale involved their frequent raiding of the sugar jar in the supposedly locked store. They thought that their parents did not know, but one day their father sat them down and told them about the mice that frequently ran over the sugar – never again did they steal sugar!
On a serious note, Walter commented on how Jean has always done well at everything she has been involved in. She makes friends very easily, and ferrets out family members from all over – many people were seen nodding in agreement to this, as Jean seems to be related to just about everybody! She always takes the trouble to keep in touch with family members, and takes great delight in family occasions.
Jean has been married to John for 56 very happy years, after they grew up together in Graaff-Reinet. They spent many years farming in the area, finally moving to
Walter concluded by saying that not many people of 80 are still so actively involved in their communities. Jean serves on several committees, and is very involved in many aspects of
Megan Ogilvie spoke on behalf of the grandchildren, commenting on the strict grilling that any potential suitors received. Carmen Harris, who shares a birthday with her grandmother, proposed a toast through her tears.
Jean in reply thanked everyone for the tremendous surprise, and remarked that she was delighted to be joining the select band of 80-plussers in the town. She told those present that she had first noticed John when she was in Standard Five, and was determined to marry him from that day!
After dessert and coffee many stayed chatting for the rest of the afternoon, and eventually Jean and john headed home, to spend the rest of the day with their family.
This was not the end of the celebrations however, as a birthday tea had been organized for her actual birthday. A delectable spread of eats was crowned with a magnificent birthday cake, and once again everyone enjoyed a feast.
Instead of each guest bringing a gift, one of the guests came up with the novel idea of a money tree. An interestingly shaped branch was found in the veld, stripped of thorns and sprayed silver. This was “planted” in a pot with plaster of Paris, and the tree was decorated with R10 and R20 notes, rolled in strips of colourful ribbons. It looked a real treat, and solved the perennial problem of what to buy for a birthday gift. Each guest contributed, giving Jean a substantial amount of money with which to buy something she really wants. Jean, in usual thrifty way, already has plans to reuse the tree at Christmas!
Jean is affectionately known by many as the Queen Mother of Aberdeen, and before the traditional rendition of Happy Birthday, guests were asked to bow their heads to Jean, amidst much hilarity. This was all taken in great spirit, as it was meant, and Jean was delighted. She assured everyone that she would be around for many years to come, as her family had a great record for longevity. Her mother died at 90, her grandmother at 94, and three of her mother’s cousins are still living, in their 90s. Another turned 100 this year!
For Sunday’s celebration, guests had been asked to make a donation to a cause very close to Jean’s heart, the Graaff-Reinet and District Cancer Association. She was delighted to report at Monday’s tea that a total of over R1300 had been donated so far, and is thrilled that this money will be able to be used to support members of the community who are affected by cancer. Many of the gifts were anonymous, and so she has asked that The Advertiser give a public “thank you “ to all the generous donors.
Long may she reign!
Jean and John Watermeyer with daughters Colleen Ogilvie (left) and Helen Harris at the surprise lunch on Sunday
Megan Ogilvie (right) spoke on behalf of Jean’s grandchildren
Back: Michaela Harris, Carmen Harris
Front Helen Harris, Christine Harris, Megan Ogilvie
Jean Watermeyer with the innovative money tree and spectacular cake at Monday’s birthday tea