Mrs Ganderton said it was “lovely” to see so many of her loved ones there for her.

“Friends are very important to me,” she said.

“I love people and I love my children the most of all in the world.”

Some relatives and friends travelled hundreds of kilometres to be there, others who could not make it, due to ill health, were very sad not to be there.

Mrs Ganderton believes in treating all people with kindness and appreciation.

“Take everybody as you find them,” she said.

The weather was fine on Saturday, perfect for the get together.