Aunty Beaty marks 80th birthday

Veteran community worker and Eastridge resident, Beatrice Roberts, fondly known as Aunty Beaty in the Mitchell's Plain community, celebrated her 80th birthday on Thursday May 1 with family and friends at her Leadwood Street home.

Aunty Beaty is both founder of the Leadwood Creche, which served the Eastridge community for 40 years before it closed down, and the Leadwood Seniors’Club, which meets at the Town Centre library on Mondays. The club will mark its 25th anniversary this year. 

Asked what her advice is for reaching her significant milestone birthday, Aunty Beaty, a ballroom and langarm dancer of note who has won numerous awards, said in her soft-spoken voice: “Firstly, I have to thank God for sparing me for 80 years. Then I have never smoked or drank alcohol and I don’t swear; I don’t believe in saying a bad word to anyone. I also believe in keeping active, I walk a lot and what I can still do for my community, I do – come rain or sunshine – I try very hard not to disappoint those who ask for my help.”

Aunty Beaty thanked everyone who contributed to making her birthday a special occasion.