Westridge seniors celebrate their community's history over tea and cake
Westridge seniors who were among the first families to move into the area in 1976, shared their fond memories of Westridge at a neighbourhood tea event last Tuesday, May 13.
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A group of Westridge seniors who were among the first families to move into the area in 1976, hosted two neighbourhood tea events last week.
Brenda Barnes, 69, and her sister Kathleen Barnes Baatjes, 66, coordinated the first gathering last Tuesday, May 13, to bring the neighbours of nearly five decades together, in anticipation of Mitchell’s Plain’s 50th anniversary next year.
Ms Barnes recalls her family moving to Westridge from Kewtown when she was 20 years old.
“I moved into the area with my parents and two younger siblings on 18 June and turned 21 a few months later. My two older siblings stayed behind in Kewtown as they were married.
“My younger brother started school at Mitchell’s Plain Primary on 5 October 1976, when the school opened its doors for the first time,” she said
Pictured standing from left, Westridge residents Connie Ross, Marge Jacobs and Aziza Carelse. Seated is Susan Tertiens. They reminisced on their early years in Mitchell’s Plain over cake and tea on Thursday May 15.
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Westridge senior Susan Tertiens, 86, hosted the second get-together last Thursday, May 15.
“It was exciting to host the tea and such a joy to have our neighbours together. Over the years, we became good friends, always laughing as we chat and catch up with what has been happening.
“It was also a day of sweet memories, as we remembered the partners who have gone before us to a better place,” Ms Tertiens said.
Ms Tertiens and her husband and children moved into Kronendal Street on August 2, 1976.
“When we moved to Westridge in Mitchell's Plain, we were families with young children and teenagers. We were excited about having a spacious three-bedroom home that was perfect for our family.
“Our neighbourhood featured beautiful front gardens, and we quickly made friends with our neighbours,” she recalled.
Westridge seniors reflected on their early days of moving into the area with their families in 1976. They were hosted at the house of Brenda Barnes on Tuesday May 13.
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Ms Tertiens shared fond memories of her children attending Westridge primary and high schools and getting involved in various community activities.
“Over the years, we became actively involved in the community by participating in sewing clubs, prayer meetings, Sunday school teaching, Bible studies, and various outreach activities, positively impacting those around us.
"Our children graduated from high school and pursued higher education, achieving significant milestones in their lives.
“All our daughters got married from our home and started their own families, which brings us immense pride and joy. Sadly, my husband passed away in November 2024, which was a tremendous loss for our family.
“Reflecting on the years, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the life we shared, which was filled with unity and peace,” Ms Tertiens said.