HINCHCLIFFEAudrey Hinchcliffe, the woman behind the Manpower and Maintenance Company, celebrated her 66th birthday 'yardie style' with a Jamaican-themed back-yard picnic, held at her Aylsham Heights residence. The party, which got into swing brunch style at about 11:00 a.m. last Sunday, was, as Mrs. Hinchcliffe cheerfully described it, "ole' time sinting come back again." The day heralded not only Mrs. Hinchcliffe birthday, but also, all things vintage and Jamaican.
traditional Jamaican food
Upon entry to the venue, the scent of traditional Jamaican food brought a wave of nostalgia for Mama's cooking, as the smell of roas' yam and saltfish, dukonoo, drops, mackerel run down, and other Jamaican delights hit the nostrils.
Catered by Arlene Eaton and Daphne Pinnock, the menu also featured cornmeal pudding, coconut drops, gizzarda, peanut cake, potato pudding, ackee and saltfish and steamed callaloo. To add to the cultural mix, Patricia Isaacs-Green of Jamrock Sports Bar and Grill brought with her a pot of traditional Guyanese cook-up rice and stamp and go. It was only natural that favourite ole' time Jamaica beverages, such as wash (lemonade), sorrel and ginger beer were served to wash down the meal.
Groups gathered under shady trees and literally drew long bench as they talked about everything and anything. The well-stocked bar never ran dry and the children who accompanied their parents had a great time playing barefooted on the lawn.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kingsley DePass took the guests as far back as the '50s with his selection of Jamaican 'oldies' music, that had the guests swaying all through the day and into the night. The party wound up at 11:00 p.m. and the guests left in high spirits, having spent the past 12 hours reminiscing of ole' time Jamaica.
Among the guests were: Blossom O'Meally-Nelson, Jackie Coke-Lloyd and hubby Evon, Rose Campbell, Errol Daley and wife, Scarlette Gillings, Mr. and Mrs. Trevor Hamilton, Garth Hinchcliffe and his son Matthew, Aubyn Hill and his wife Tamara, Ethlyn and Ronnie Coke and John Graham.
