Edith Hayes
A Tribute to Miss Edith Hayes
Uitenhage Dispatch 8 August 2013
One of Uitenhage's oldest residents, Miss Edith Hayes, passed away last Sunday at the age of 102 years at Rosa Munch House.
Miss Hayes was born on the 10th December 1910 and although she never married, she will be remembered for the immense role she fulfilled in many children's lives through her involvement at the Uitenhage 1st (S.O.E*) Scout Group. (* Sons of England Patriotic and Benevolent Society)
"Miss Hayes was an inspiration to us all. She was actively involved as Club Master for many years and maintained interest in the group and attended functions up to her 100th year," said Cathy Ingram who also was involved with the Uitenhage Scouting before the group closed down. Miss Hayes was a founder member of the Girl Guides Association in Uitenhage and joined the Uitenhage Scout Group as Assistant Cub Master in January 1928. She was appointed as Cub Master in 1936, a position she served until 1954 after which she served as an active committee member until 1991 She also enjoyed the privilege to have met Lord Baden Powell the founder of the Scout Movement. "She was the longest serving member of all time at Uitenhage Scouts." said Ingram.
According to Marilyn Woods, Principal at Riebeek College Girls' High School, Miss Hayes was the oldest living Old-Riebeek Girl and she had attended all the school's Founders Day events until the age of 100 years.
"She used to say 'Once a Riebeek girl always a Riebeek girl' and we actually adopted these words. Through these words and many other of her wisdoms, she will always be remembered at Riebeek College."
Miss Hayes also was a keen sports woman and represented EP in badminton and was just as competitive on the tennis court.
August is the month in which to celebrate women and the role they fulfil in Society. Sadly this is also the time to pay tribute to Miss Edith Hayes, who has served her community with pride for more than 100 years! During an interview on her 90th birthday she stated that she got so old because she never married, but was not old enough yet for bowls! Her philosophy of life always was "God never forsakes me!"
And on the occasion of her 90th birthday!
Happy 90th Birthday Miss Hayes
Outtray - Cape Eastern Scout Newsletter - January 2001
When people in Uitenhage speak of Scouting there is always one name that pops up. "Do you remember Miss Edith Hayes?"
Miss Hayes is synonymous with Scouting in the town. At the age of 90 years she is still a member of the Uitenhage L.A. and attends all the AGM's and other special functions of the 1st Uitenhage (SOE) Scout Group.
On 10th December, 2000, Miss Hayes celebrated her 90th Birthday.
Following morning service at the John Street Methodist Church where she is a member, it was "Open House". Right through lunch, afternoon tea and a buffet supper, the festivities continued. That is quite something for a nonagenarian, but let's not forget that Miss Hayes is fit and sprightly. She walks wherever she has to go, does her own housework and tends her garden!
With acknowledgements to the UD News, the following: "Life begets life, energy creates energy – it is by spending oneself that one becomes rich", was once said by famous actress Sarah Bernhardt – and such a person is Miss Edith Hayes.
Miss Hayes celebrated her 90th birthday with friends and family from all parts of the country. She has journeyed through life with a passion for energy' and is still an example of someone who 'lives to the full'. At present she is busy writing the 'story of her life'. Paging with her through her memories, the 'richness' of experiences while travelling through life and the world is absolutely captivating. "I didn't realize it will be so much fun writing my memoirs – and that I was quite a naughty girl", she said.
Miss Hayes was also involved in the Scout Movement for 72 years and was a founder member of the Girl Guide Association in Uitenhage. The Chief Scout of the World, from England, (Lord Rowallan) once visited Miss Hayes – to honour her with the Medal of Merit, for her outstanding service.
She was also honoured with a medal for long service in the Boy Scouts, where she was a Cub Master for 25 years. A Medal of Merit as a Lay Member also came her way.
Miss Hayes has represented the Eastern Province in badminton and was a keen tennis player, but "I'm not old enough for bowls yet", she said jokingly. Her philosophy of life for the past 90 years: "God never forsakes me".