A FUNERAL more than a year ago has inspired an epic reunion, with nearly 100 family members from around the world descending on Port Elizabeth for "The Big Round-up" this weekend. Organised by family patriarch Geoff Dakin, 77, the occasion will see 93 of the 243 remaining "blood descendants of Granny Johnstone" meet up for various activities over the next three days.
The relatives span five generations and some have not seen each other in more than 50 years.
They have come from Canada, the UK, Johannesburg, Cape Town and East London. Others, from Australia and the US, could not make the gathering.
Dakin, a former Eastern Province cricketer and Cricket SA president, said the idea for a reunion came about at the funeral of his elder brother, John, in November 2011.
"There are a lot of cousins who have not seen each other over the past 50 years. After the funeral, I was tasked by the family with organising a reunion," Dakin said.
It has taken more than a year to pull off, and last night the celebrations finally got started with a meet-and-greet at the Humewood Golf Club.
For the full story read The Herald, or get the complete newspaper, including comics, classifieds, crosswords and back editions in our e-Edition |
