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Sibahle Ngcengula with Josephine and Peter Asher.
One submission to our Story Telling project, which involved young people talking to older people and writing about the older person’s life, has resulted in an on-air wedding vows renewal ceremony in South Africa!
When East Coast Radio’s Jane Linley-Thomas heard the story of Peter Asher, 91 and his wife Josephine, 101, written by Sibahle Ngcengula, she was so enamored with the Asher’s story, she arranged for them to be treated to a full scale vow renewal ceremony at one the TAFTA homes in Morningside.
To help them celebrate their love of 68 years after their wedding day, the radio station arranged a presiding minister, wedding outfits, cakes and even décor.
Peter Asher first met Josephine at a club in London, England and after only dating for three months the two love birds got married and have been together since.
Jane quips, “It only takes one look at Peter and Jo to realise that love is the strongest form of communication! I just love these two and love their story so much I asked them to broadcast their story on my show. One thing lead to another and before I knew it we were plotting and planning an entire wedding.”
Celebrating 68 years of marriage
To complete the fairy tale surprise Jane and her producer, Simon Carter met in secret and contacted potential sponsors. Jane says, “Without the assistance of the sponsors that came on board when I pitched the idea to them, none of this would have happened! I have to thank them for giving up their time and their money to make this such a special day and one of the highlights of my radio career.”
TAFTA CEO Femada Shamam says, “On the occasion of TAFTA’s 60th anniversary year, we feel so blessed to have the Ashers commemorate this very special event with us. Their enduring love story is such a testament to the fact that when we put in the dedication and hard work to make something work, it will most definitely be a resounding success, much like the TAFTA story too. We wish the Ashers well on their continued journey together and much happiness in their TAFTA home for many years to come.”
Peter and Jo Asher have been overwhelmed with the love and support from Tafta and East Coast Radio. To have their vow renewal broadcast to the whole of KwaZulu-Natal is a new memory to add to their very long and successful lives together.
The winners of the Story Telling project will be announced at the Commonwealth Elders Forum next week.
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