Heideveld Seniors Club celebrates 20 years
Heideveld Seniors Club is celebratingits 20th anniversary this month. Lifelong friendships, active seniors and loads of laughter, is what keeps them going, club chairperson, Sharon Lang, said.
Image: Hazel Allies-Husselman
Heideveld Seniors Club celebrated its 20th anniversary with a quote by author CS Lewis, which states that one is "never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream”.
Club chairperson, Sharon Lang, said she wanted the members to embrace this message, hence why they adopted the quote as their club motto.
“We are not has-beens. We are not forgotten, and in our older years, we have so much more we can offer society and our community. We can pray. In our grey hair we can still bear many fruits,” Ms Lang said.
The club is part of the greater Athlone Older Persons’ Forum, and apart from their regular gatherings at the Heideveld community centre, members also take part in seniors’ athletics and women’s soccer.
Longstanding members of the Heideveld Seniors Club from left, are, Emily Josias, 88, Rosie Petersen, 85, and Sharon de Villiers, and founder Sharon Lang.
Image: Hazel Allies-Husselman
One of their star athletes is Emily Josias, 88, who, up until last year, still competed in 100m sprint races. This year, she decided to “downscale” to speed walking.
Ms Josias said: “I am very happy that I joined the club 20 years ago when it opened its doors. I receive so much love here. The club members are all filled with humility, and we stand together and support one another through whatever personal challenges we might have. Over the years, I have developed valuable friendships, and my heart is happy and at peace. It was also here that I learnt to be still in the presence of God. Joining the club has made my future so much more colourful. Being part of this community is much better than to just sit at home.”
Mercia de Waal, the deputy chairperson of the greater Retreat Older Persons' Forum, shared a word of support and encouragement to members of the Heideveld Seniors Club in celebration of their 20th anniversary.
Image: Hazel Allies-Husselman
Rosie Petersen, 85, also joined the club 20 years ago.
“I lost my husband around the time the club was established. I joined because it was better to come out of my house, where I would in any case only sit on my own. I would like to encourage other seniors to come join us. Get out of your house. Here we encourage one another, pray for one another and have endless laughs and loads of fun. My spirits are always lifted at the club. We also have huge respect for one another. This is the best place to be,” Ms Petersen said.
Ms Lang said grandparents are not there to raise their grandchildren.
“God created creches. We are not nannies. We have talents that can be used to the benefit of our community. Our seniors are the leaders and the pillars of our community. They can teach the youngsters so much,” she added.
Marvin Christians from The Cheerful Givers, donated an airfryer in celebration of Heideveld Seniors Club's 20th anniversary.
Image: Hazel Allies-Husselman