Some people called it a birthday party with a difference as they took into account four particular features: the delightful venue at Smokey’s on the beach at Rendezvous; the milling crowd from all walks of life; the lavish spread of tasty food and refreshment; and the grand finale, the amusing performance of a “fire-eater” who jigged up on broken bottles and what appeared to be razor sharp nails.

Mr. Roydon & Rhona

It was all in celebration of the 60th birthday on Saturday, September 2, of Rhona who three days before, changed her last name from Richardson to Roydon when she exchanged marital vows with owner of Malliouhana Hotel and Spa, Leon Roydon. The birthday invitation read in part: “God has spared Rhona’s life to reach 60 so come celebrate! Thanks be to God.” And, as indicated above, the people went in large numbers but there was plenty food and drink for all.

Invited guests at the party

A large tent mounted on the beach provided accommodation for a substantial number of the birthday guests and inside the restaurant the many rows of tables and chairs offered seating for dozens more. The mood was one of celebration for everyone who turned up to share the event with the lovely and friendly Rhona who, in beach wear, greeted the guests as she walked around, her face lit up with smiles. A fleet of minature colourful racing boats, with the owners swimming behind them in the inshore waters, provided an attractive backdrop for the event.

Fire eater in performance

Rhona served as a Special Adviser in the Ministry of Education of the Government of Anguilla on two occasions. She is normally a quiet and reserved person and only if she is pressed, she may disclose that she has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science.

Another section of the crowd and musicians

The guests had finished their sumptuous dining when she was called to the stage by the entertainers. It was not only where the Musical Brothers were performing, but where Jean Peterson, the Mighty Pretender of St. Martin, baffled the crowd with his performing antics. He entertained the spectators in song, slithering movements and by stuffing a flaming torch into his mouth, into his pants and running it across his body as he danced on a cluster of glass bottle fragments and lay and danced on a board of close-driven nails, points up. Much to the delight of the spectators, he drew Rhona across the floor as well as Dr. Gibbs of St. Martin, both of whom mimicked him with flaming torches and dancing.

Dr. Gibbs and fire eater

The conclusion by a number of persons that it was a birthday celebration with a difference was not an exaggeration. It had all the fun, lavish parting, personalities and the unusual, all combining to create a memorable experience for Rhona, her husband, their families and friends.

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