Party organiser Marion Townsend said over the years they had become good friends and it was lovely to celebrate this milestone together.

“We’re all old friends and we’re all celebrating our 80th birthday at various times this year,” she said.

The birthday crew and their guests met at the Katherine Club to enjoy a meal and reminisce about years gone by. 

Alison Stefanska, who was also celebrating her birthday, said they decided it was a case of the more the merrier.

“We knew our birthdays were close together and we decided to have a celebration when Marion arrived,” she said.

“It then started evolving because we found all these other people who are 80 this year.

“It proves that 1937 is a jolly good year.”

Ms Townsend said one of the biggest changes in recent years was the beautification of the town.

Her daughter also lived in Katherine for a number of years and they both agreed, “Katherine has become a really vibrant town”. 

“I couldn’t believe how lovely Katherine looks after being away for a couple of years,” she said.

“It’s beautiful and all the shops seem to have been repainted.

“I come back every year to see my friends, it’s special, and particularly special this year.”

Ms Stefanska echoed the sentiment and praised the range of reading, art and cultural groups.

“Although people don’t always think so, Katherine’s actually a good place to live for retired people,” she said.

“You can have a better life here.”