THEY SAY good news doesn’t sell, but I’m starting 2016 on a positive note, with tributes to two amazing seniors and some young relatives who, despite the distractions which abound today, have kept focused and have been rewarded.
First, I congratulate Florrie Kelshall, who celebrated her 100th birthday last Sunday. Florrie is Barbadian-born, although she lived only a few years of her life here. She’s sister of the late A.M “Charlie” Taylor, of Hotel Royal fame.
Florrie attended the Ursuline Convent before continuing her education in England. She enrolled to study medicine (which would undoubtedly have been exceptional for a woman in the 1930s), but soon realised it wasn’t her “cup of tea”, so she switched to optics. Having gained her qualification, she travelled to Trinidad to join her Aunt Ada’s optometry business. She later married Ken Kelshall, who worked in the civil service, and they had three daughters, six grands and nine great-grands.
Apart from her successful career, Florrie has been involved in diverse activities all her life. She’s the oldest member of the Ventures Hockey Club and has represented Trinidad in hockey She was also an avid bridge player, also representing Trinidad. In fact she only stopped playing bridge at age 93, due to failing eyesight.
In recognition of her prowess at hockey, she was inducted into the Trinidad Sports Hall of Fame, was awarded the Hummingbird Silver Medal for loyal and devoted service to Trinidad, and was recently honoured by the University of the West Indies.
For 40 years, Florrie played “Santa”, arriving via various modes of transport, including a horse and a plane.
What’s immediately evident about Florrie is her energetic spirit, even in her advanced years. At my aunt’s 90th birthday party, the first three people on the dance floor were Florrie (then 96), my aunt and my mother (88). After much rigorous “movementation” the music had to be halted because of a missing hearing aid. The DJ admitted he’d been asked to stop music for many reasons, but never for the loss of a hearing aid!
Another Barbadian who is extremely active and keeps amazingly busy at age 82 is Phyllis Turney. I was asked a while ago to identify someone who still carried on the tradition of curing their own hams at Christmas. After many enquiries, I discovered Mrs Turney, who managed to spare me a few moments amidst her continuously busy schedule. She’s been curing hams for 40 years and showed me the two she was producing for her Christmas brunch, which she hosts annually for between 35 and 50 people.
Now to the young generation. Congratulations to my great nieces and nephew – Kaya for her Award Of Excellence for her second year’s work and Haillie and Raffie for their Certificates Of Excellence for their first term’s work at secondary school; my cousins – Josh for his four Grade Ones in CAPE, Kristin for her excellent CXC results, and Cody for his success in the 5K Open Water swim.
The youngsters aren’t only interested in electronic devices, but are also keen on cricket, fishing (Raffie caught and cooked two tuna recently) and cheerleading. Josh set up an outstanding Christmas light display and has been shortlisted in the Barbados Light & Power competition. His display is not simply lights, but involves a computer programme which synchonises the lights and music. Most impressive!
In keeping with our 50th anniversary of Independence, I should mention that Josh exemplifies the “industry” in “Pride and Industry”. He recently got his driver’s licence, but instead of being supplied with a car as many children are these days, he bought his own car, using money saved from his vacation jobs over the years. Many adults could learn a lesson from him.
Then there’s another cousin, Josh Burke, who, apart from academic success, has followed in his father Alan’s footsteps, bringing international recognition to Barbados as a surfer extraordinaire.
Our children are Barbados’ future and it’s good to see them achieving – but they do so against the odds – like the constant interruptions to school – Teachers’ Professional Days (why not have these in the summer holidays), mid-term holidays, then the most ludicrous of all . . . students starting the term Tuesday only to have today off for the launching of our 50th anniversary celebrations! What next?
• Dr Frances Chandler is a former Independent senator. Email: fchandler@caribsurf.com