Celebrating a century, ABBA style

Monday, 08 December 2008

By JACKIE RUSSELL

• Howick and Pakuranga Times

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Fred Powell celebrates 100 years with his great-granddaughters, Sophie, 16, and Samara, 2.

With a lifetime devoted to showbiz, Mr Powell’s daughter Brenda Simmons choreographed the ABBA dance and mime routine.Experienced on the stage and screen, Mrs Simmons is a talented woman who has been in pantomime, dance routines and television shows such as Billy T James and Shortland Street. Her daughter Julia Joachim flew in with her family from France and her teenage daughter, Sophie, completed the ABBA trio.There was only a week to frantically rehearse for Mr Powell’s big birthday night. Howick Costume Company made ABBA outfits, ensuring the women shimmied in style.

DANCING QUEENS: Performing an ABBA tribute for Fred, (from left) Brenda Simmons, Sophie Joachim and Julia Joachim. Photos supplied.

Affectionately known as Pops by friends and family, he moved to Howick when his wife Mary passed away about 15 years ago.His extended family includes two children, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.