# bct100years: Former editor sends wishes from Switzerland
Former City Times editor Elise (van der Berg) Bredenkamp writes (from Unterägeri, Switzerland):
The City Times is ingrained in the history, and the story of many of its residents, wherever we are in the world today.
I had the honor of being named first-woman editor of the City Times – especially, I suspect, because of my many years of service, which in turn was due to the intoxicating enjoyment of working at this editorial office.
I joined the newspaper in 1978 and left in 1992 after spending the turbulent 1980s covering riots, riots, protests, a devastating bombing and countless city council meetings where the dream of a floating restaurant was once again discussed at some length.
Oh, there was a lot of good news too.
The city grew and became a city, the children grew up and became champions and princesses and stars, Bunny Park became increasingly popular, and Benoni never quite lived up to the meaning of his name “Son of My Sorrows”.
Instead, this lake town, this “Jewel of the East Rand” was a melting pot of cultures and a breeding ground for innovative ideas.
Our two daughters were born, if not in the editorial office, then because of the relatively close relationships that were forged in them.
Such a relationship resulted in a 34-year marriage with colleague Christo Bredenkamp, which fortunately is still thriving.
We left Benoni to live in Botswana, Namibia, Cape Town and now have one foot in Switzerland and one in France, but Benoni never gave up on me.
The memories of the roar of the printing press on a Thursday night and the people lining up in the wee hours of the following morning to get the latest issue before the ink was completely dry are tattooed on my heart.
Happy birthday, City Times. You have been good to me and I thank you.