Bosom buddies reflect on lifetime of friendship

AFTER 74 years of friendship, two Bluff bosom buddies really have lived up to being BFFs – best friends forever.

Eunice Pickster, who turned 90 on 28 December and 91-year-old Hazel Morley met in January 1942 at the Girl’s Friendly Society.

“This is like the YWCA of today. We met during the Second World War – Hazel worked at Stag Breweries in West Street and I was studying at Natal Business College,” said Eunice.

Eunice celebrated her ninth decade with a tea party at St George’s Presbyterian Church with a surprise visit from her daughter, Jill who emigrated to America.

Before moving to the Bluff 17 years ago, Eunice stayed in Woodhaven for 15 years. Hazel lived on the Bluff for about nine years.

Eunice joined the SA Air Force in 1943 and served as a sergeant of the telex section until she returned to Durban for her wedding in 1945. Hazel and her husband, Johnny moved to Australia for eight years during the 40s. Despite this and other life achievements, including career commitments and expanding families, the two maintained a robust friendship.

“We used to do so much together when we were young and I introduced Hazel to Johnny so we had plenty of things to tie us together. We kept in touch by writing regularly and we made each other godparents to our eldest children.

To maintain long relationships, just keep in touch with each other, even if it is just a Christmas card or a WhatsApp to show you still care,” said Eunice.

Both women have three children, while Eunice has nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and Hazel has four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

When the duo was younger, they spent much of their time at the beach.

“We used to go the beach at every opportunity and there were so many dances in the war days. The convoys used to come through Durban so there were always plenty of young soldiers to dance with,” said a sassy Eunice.

“Oh my gosh, we used to party, party, party in those days. Now we drink tea and eat cucumber sandwiches. We chat on the phone regularly to catch up with each other’s news and then discuss our aches and pains,” she added.

Neither woman is ready to slow right down just yet. They both keep busy with hobbies and crosswords.

“In the early 80s I started helping my eldest daughter, Denise who is a cruciverbalist, to compile crosswords for various magazines and I still do that. I also attend the Bluff Garden Club regularly as I enjoy gardening immensely and my other hobbies are reading, knitting and chatting on WhatsApp.

I don’t have time to retire – I aim to continue doing what I do until I cannot do it anymore,” said Eunice.

Hazel enjoys copper work and likewise is an avid crossword puzzle fan. She also likes watching DVDs to keep her engaged.

Thinking fondly about how she and Hazel have preserved such an enduring friendship, Eunice spoke poetically:

“A true friend is someone who has touched your heart and will stay there no matter what.”