AVID Jeffreys Bay tennis players, Andrew (84) and Margie Johnston (83), are the oldest – and wisest – couple to regularly ‘battle’ it out at the local tennis court.
Married for 60 years, the Humansdorp Senior Secondary High School sweethearts have been playing the sport as a couple for the past 50 years – making them the oldest couple at the Jeffreys Bay Tennis Club.
Commemorating this milestone, they received a title of honour from the club after 24 years.
Andrew is the oldest club member, while Margie is the second oldest female player.
However, they do not think of themselves as “old”. The couple, who have three children, play tennis at least twice a week for up to three hours: Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Not nearly as often as they would like to play, but duties, such as gardening and housework, keep them occupied.
Andrew, a former bank manager, says, “I am not a very good player, but I am a keen player. My strong point – fitness. And I do not even go to the gym. I get all the exercise I need from gardening. And, of course, my tennis partner, Margie.
“When we are not playing against other couples, she always tries to beat me on the court – but hardly ever succeeds. We never get upset with each other while playing tennis.”
And who is the better player?
Margie smiles, “Andrew – without a doubt. Lymphatic cancer 20 years ago and surgery, left my right hand without much strength. But that does not stop me from playing and enjoying every moment on the court.”
Apart from playing tennis, they enjoy meeting new people and socialising. Especially all the events: Valentine’s Day, Spring Day and Christmas parties.
The couple have no plans to hang up their racquets in the near future.
