Click here to listen to an audio version of this article read by Lee-Ann.
Every week feels special at Enliven’s Community Day Programme in Havelock North. One recent Thursday was unforgettable. A valued group member Shirley, arrived with her husband Barry, both expecting a morning tea. What they got instead was a surprise celebration for their 60th wedding anniversary, complete with a cheeky vow renewal, family from around the world, and a room full of friends who had been secretly planning the event details for weeks.
Programme Coordinators always think of new ways to delight, “I think this might have been Selmari and Lee-Ann’s idea?” said Shirley’s Maid of Honour Joy, “I got caught up in it just in the last few weeks. I nearly spilled something the other day.” Joy said she thought Barry had an idea about a morning tea but not the surprise ceremony Selmari was bridesmaid for the day and welcomed everyone, “please give the lovely couple a hand and make their day extra special with us. Enjoy the day with us Shirley and Barry as we celebrate with your wonderful friends, close family, and even your 1965 Maid of Honour, Joy. Joining us online is your son and wife from America! Let’s get the celebration started.”
Shirley’s never one to miss a beat, “does that mean I still have to do exercise?” Enliven team responded just as fast, “can’t avoid exercise, if you don’t use it, you lose it!” Every week the group exercise together to build their strength and balance to prevent falls.
The couple sat underneath the big gold, black and white balloon arch, surrounded by matching wedding table decorations and a giant 60 made from photos of their life together. Photos included pets, family, friends, and fun group moments. A grandchild also joined on the day, “Nana was very surprised, and Grandad was surprised too.” MC, Lee-Ann, set a fun ceremony tone. “Today is a truly special occasion as we’re coming together to celebrate a remarkable milestone. We have 60 years of love, laughter, and life together for Shirley and Barry. They did think they were just coming for morning tea with friends and family, but after 60 years of memories and teamwork, we thought it appropriate to perhaps renew their vows. Not that they forgot them, but because we all want to hear them and Selmari and I wanted an excuse to wear our fascinators.” Barry was asked, “Do you promise to keep pretending to listen even when you are clearly daydreaming about fast cars? Do you also promise to always find Shirley’s misplaced keys and glasses?” Barry and Shirley share a love of humour and replied, “I have to.” Shirley was asked, “Do you promise to keep stealing the blanket? To always be early and keep loving Barry, even if the snoring gets loud?” Lee-Ann added, “So 60 years is a Diamond anniversary and apparently Barry, diamonds are a girl’s best friend. But it is also fitting because diamonds are strong, precious, and formed under pressure just like a marriage.”
Maid of Honour, Joy, shared memories of when she first met Shirley at school, of Barry driving them to ballroom dancing in Napier, and the mud on the wedding dress that had to be washed and ironed while Shirley was still wearing it. “We were 17-year-olds walking down the aisle,” she reflected as they remembered all the funny dress cleaning details, “so that was a good save!”
Another group regular delivered a heartfelt speech. “I am privileged to be representing your Thursday buddies and wishing you the most sparkling diamond anniversary ever. 60 years. Wow.” She reflected on generational memories, black and white wedding photos, outdoor food safes, and first-time mortgages being way under $15,000. “You were living in a time when only two percent of New Zealanders have survived 60 years of marriage. Like the diamond, you two are highly valued and admired with rare strength, quality and invincibility.” One family member said, “this part made me quite emotional actually.”
Messages from dignitaries included congratulations from royal couple King Charles and Queen Camilla. New Zealand messages came from Minister for Seniors Hon Casey Costello, Governor-General Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, and Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon.
The official part of the day ended with a kiss, a hug, and a cheer and with Lee-Ann leading the “Hip hip hooray, and may your love continue to shine brightly, your laughter stay loud and your love story continue to inspire.”
As one client put it, “anything you could imagine happens at this group, every week they put a lot in. I wouldn’t miss it.”
There are spaces available at the Havelock North Community Day Programme on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Fun organised activities include armchair travelling to new countries, pet competitions, and sometimes there’s even balloons, vows and unexpected wows!
Come and join us. You have a lot to offer your community. We can’t wait to meet you. Arrange a referral from your GP or directly with a Needs Assessment Service Coordinator (NASC). Phone NASC on 06 870 7485.
