Scores of senior citizens danced and enjoyed tea at the annual Jolly Old Fellows event, hosted by the Border Vintage and Classic Car Club on Saturday.
Osner Hotel was filled with laughter, nostalgia and the hum of vintage engines as the club fetched and fetéd 140 seniors from 11 centres.
The sight of gleaming vintage cars lined up outside the hotel evoked instant excitement and smiles from the guests, many of whom eagerly climbed in for a drive.
The scent of polished leather and petrol stirred fond memories, especially for the oldest resident present, Pat Westley, a cheerful 97-year-old from Berea Gardens, who said: “The smell of the car brought back memories and it was just like the good old days.”
A fleet of nearly 20 lovingly restored vintage cars, driven by enthusiastic club members, fetched residents from their complexes and transported them to the beachfront hotel, and took them home after a day that celebrated community, kindness and the joy of remembrance.
Inside the Osner, the joyful atmosphere continued as residents clapped and danced to Achy Breaky Heart, turning the gathering into a lively celebration filled with laughter, music and connection.
Club chair Russell Osner said this 26th rendition was a most treasured event on their calendar.
“As you saw from the joy on everyone’s faces, this is a special event. We never have to beg for drivers; they come out in numbers because they love doing it. It’s nostalgic for the seniors, driving around in cars they once knew in their youth. The smiles, the euphoria, that’s what it’s all about.”
The tradition was started more than 40 years ago by Jill and Joe Hickel to foster companionship and contentment among the city’s elderly. The Osner Group has been involved since the beginning, providing the venue every year.
In this year’s collection, a 1927 Aston and a VW Beetle were all the rage.
Osner said: “All our members work together to keep the cars running. After every event, they go back to the garage for restoration and care. We’re quite an active club, we meet once a month for socials, outings to Kidds Beach and to talk about cars.”
Club committee member Lorraine Schonknecht said: “Our aim is to give back to the elderly. They love seeing the cars. Many of them drove or rode in these same models when they were younger. The smiles on their faces say it all.”
Driver Vickee Fleetwood, one of 14 volunteer drivers, said the event always touched her heart.
“It’s always so rewarding,” she said. “Many of the residents haven’t been out in a long time and hardly get visitors. When we pick them up, they’re so chatty and cheerful, it really lifts their spirits.”
As the sun set over the East London beachfront, the convoy of vintage cars revved up once more to take the residents home, waving, smiling and sharing one last laugh from a day filled with community spirit, music and timeless memories.
