Cora celebrates 50 golden years

CORA WAKEFORD had the surprise of her life yesterday lunch-time. The Sarnians stalwart, 64, was persuaded to pop to the KGV. What she did not realise was that family, friends and clubmates had gathered on the netball court to celebrate Mrs Wakeford's 50 unbroken years with the club.

So while the Sunday roast was left on a low heat in the oven, Mrs Wakeford was enjoying champagne with some of the countless players to have pulled on a Sarnians bib during her time at the club.

'It was a complete surprise: I did not have the slightest idea they were going to do this,' she said.

'Even when we pulled in and I saw them here it didn't click that it might be for me.'

The club presented Mrs Wakeford with a double-seated garden bench with a plaque inscribed: 'Thank you for 50 years dedicated to Sarnians Netball Club - Fifty golden years.' It will be gratefully used whenever she and husband Mick are not out watching the many sports they enjoy.

'I was thinking of giving up last year, but I was persuaded to stay on to make it 50 years. I started playing netball as a seven-year-old, had to give it up when I was in my forties because of bad knees but have been involved off the court since then. I am lucky that I have made so many friends down the years.'