Saturday, June 5 saw family members and guests travel from the Gold Coast, Barraba and Warialda to attend surprise 80th birthday celebrations for June Fogarty in a lovely garden setting at the home of June’s daughter Jo Fogarty.
Jo’s backyard was transformed into an elegant vintage high-tea theme for the occasion.
Unbeknown to June, her family had started assembling items over a period of weeks.
June’s collection of crockery, crocheted doilies and tablecloths were used for the occasion and evoked feelings of nostalgia.
It was an emotional moment when June’s elder daughter Sandra brought June around to Jo’s home.
Upon their arrival, June was surprised to see everyone waiting and ready to celebrate with her.
To the amusement of the family and guests, June recognised that most of the decorations had come from her own home and realised all the little white lies her family had carefully told to keep the party a secret.
Twenty-five ladies attended the festivities, carefully planned and prepared by daughters Sandra Klaus, Jo Fogarty, daughter-in-law Leonie Fogarty, and granddaughters Levii Klaus and Taylah Fogarty.
June received many well wishes, cards and flowers, and a special delivery of flowers arrived from long-time friend Penny Carter and her daughter Caroline from England.
June was delighted to have her sister Janice Wales attend the party.
Unfortunately, June’s niece Chris Cruckshank from Tamworth was unable to attend the festivities.
Guests dined on a bounty of delicious treats of sandwiches, scones and slices.
A highlight for June was the three-tiered birthday cake made by granddaughter Levii Klaus.
The ladies had a wonderful time reminiscing and sharing memories.
Lots of laughter peppered the afternoon with guests regaling amusing stories from the past.
The day concluded with the men of the family later joining the ladies to celebrate at a family barbecue at son Mark’s residence.
June’s husband Brian, grandson Shaun Fogarty and grandsons Scott Fogarty and Ty Klaus from the Gold Coast were there to celebrate with June.
Unfortunately, great-grandson Lewis Fogarty was unable to attend.
The family was thankful to everyone for making the effort to come and help celebrate the milestone birthday.
June added that she was ‘blown away’, very emotional and will never forget her 80th birthday.
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