decaDANCE 2026
The story behind the decaDANCE Party
It was Simon Casey's idea in 2005 after all the cousins had so much fun dancing the night away at a family wedding at Marly’s Cottage. A few quick calculations and he figured it out, Arthur was turning 70, Nick 60, Mike Cooper 40, Anna 30, and Casey and Anita 20, all in the same year - 2006. So a dress up evening with Jeremy and Rona's band providing live music, a talent contest and lots of dancing completed the scene. 2026 and Simon was more than keen to replicate the event, naming it a DecaDANCE Party.
As it Happened
The event was held once again at Marly's Cottage, beginning with an afternoon tea and followed by a BYO, BBQ/pot luck dinner, then talent quest. Dancing did not occur as everyone moved inside to view a video presentation featuring highlights from the DecaDANCE in 2006. The footage, filmed and recently edited by Mercedes Glover, included memorable moments, among them classic scenes showcasing Tim Cooper, who passed away in 2009.
Dressup
The day's theme was dress-up—everyone could come as whoever they liked. Andy won the award for best dressed, and although she wasn't among the day's decadents, at nearly 97 years old, she certainly showed strength and resilience—a real suffragette. She had to be quite resilient growing up alongside the Cooper Brothers! With all three brothers present, united with their older sister Andy, it was a truly special occasion.
Not only that, Andy’s entire family attended, all except her granddaughter Corina who has only just left seeking work in Sydney.
Paul and Reggie made a huge sponge cake for the decadents, while Olivia did a great job of decorating it. The cake was cut by the birthday recipients. Arthur being Arthur, who always loves an audience, poked his finger right in the middle of the cake!
The birthday people -
Arthur 90
Nick 80
Simon 70, Mike Cooper 60, Anna 50 (Kiwa stepped in for Anna), Anita & Casey 40, (Warren, Anita's partner also turns 40).
Talent Quest
As usual, this was a highlight. SO MUCH TALENT! Kindly judged by Andy and Susan, the winner of the Brian Casey Trophy was…
... once again Mike Cooper alias Fred Dagg! Who would ever expect Mike to go from a transvestite nightclub singer to Fred Dagg, and pull it off brilliantly. An exceptional act had us all in stitches as he recalled farm visits from family members, taking free licence to add his own twist on events.
2nd was Rona and Jeremy singing a duet. It was fabulous watching the two of them singing together, a well-deserved 2nd place.
3rd was Bruce and Dale, Dave and Barb with a short dancing comedy act.
So once again, the Coopers have taken out the supreme Brian Casey Trophy, (and all bragging rights), thanks Mike Cooper!
Divine Electrical Interference
We believe there was interference from above, certain family members making sure we know they are still around...
Towards the end of the evening we had flickering lights, and funny things happening to our power. The next day we tread carefully, as some of the appliances were malfunctioning...then...Olivia received an electric shock from the outdoor shower mixer. From that point on, Dave was incensed with getting to the bottom of it. In the process he received a full belt off the outside tap! To cut a long story short, it meant losing the use of some appliances, being very careful and waiting until after Easter to contact the Power Company.
It was, however on the Sunday night that things got really interesting.
Anita, Sav, Jordin and his new girlfriend Emmy, and myself, were all sitting around the table viewing an old video of Jordin and Sav performing an Easter show when they were young (pre-schoolers), with their Uncle David.
Sav said on the video, "turn the lights out", and at that exact moment they went out! Laughter was the only reaction, then whoa, that was freaky!
Of course we all blamed David, as it was what he always did when a family member brought home a new girlfriend or boyfriend. He would test them out to see if they could handle the family!!! It worked this time!
The lights did come on after I suggested Mum was probably up there telling him off, I could just hear her saying... "DAVID!", in her authorative tone. The lights came on again, not on cue, but a few seconds afterwards, and stayed on.
A faulty neutral wire earthing out at the external pole, which was incredibly dangerous, was the problem. We are having ongoing discussions with the power company, however we can't help but wonder...
Attendees
Sadly Wendy Cooper who had flown in from England especially to attend the decaDANCE Party, came down with pneumonia and wasn't able to attend, although she visited and stayed at Marly's Cottage in her sister's Sarah and Justin's posh caravan for the following week.
Attendees: Dave and Barb Milina, Paul Dobson & Reggie (Berlin),Mike & Janine Cooper,Jaycob Cooper, Ryan Cooper, Shari Smith & Shane Orr, Olivia Cooper, Anita Dobson, Savannah Fitzpatrick, Joe & Ruth Glover, Casey Glover & Sally McGrandle, Krysle Glover & Graham, Mercedes Glover, Devin & Becs Glover, Andy Casey, Simon Casey, Andrew Reitemeyer, Mike & Rebecca Casey, Connie Casey, Boden Casey, Norah Casey, Sharon & Aaron Wishnowsky, Lucas Wishnowsky, Ayla Wishnowsky, Sam Wishnowsky, Bruce & Dale Davey, Jeremy Cooper & Rona Cooper, Nick Cooper, Kiwa, Arthur Cooper & Linda Jenkins-Cooper, Susan Clark, nee Haggitt, Louise & Kepi Elisara
A lovely surprise was Louise and Kepi arriving with Cousin Susan. Susan, who will be 90 next year. Susan is a first cousin to Andy and her brothers.
