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100-year-old gets birthday surprise


Invited guests on the mobile library in Black Street, Winterton, look mildly quizzical as preparations are made for George Blake's birthday surprise.

They notice that George's son, Michael, and daughter-in-law, Valerie, are already on board, inspecting the cake produced by librarian Peter Ransome, and can't help wondering: Who's going to fetch him?

The level of consternation increases for them - but not for library regulars - as George arrives on his mobility scooter, like clockwork at 2pm, and effortlessly climbs the library steps, not bothering with its electric lift.

Predictions of more and more people living to 100 in the near future are prone to cause lingering concerns about becoming infirm or increasingly dependent on others - but look no further than George for the perfect inspiration.

Unexpectedly confronted by his son, who he thought was walking the dog, and all the other guests, including local councillor Shirley Weymouth, Winterton's oldest resident manages to maintain his calm demeanour - one of his tips for making it to 100.

And though he confesses the party has taken him completely by surprise, he still has the presence of mind to rummage in his jacket and produce the card he received from the Queen six days ago for this latest round of photographs.

Since moving with his son and daughter-in-law to the village near Yarmouth five years ago, George has used Norfolk County Council's mobile library service every fortnight.

Describing him as a “quiet character”, driver John Smith said: “I have been told that the more you read the more active your brain is, and George is a great model for that.

“Everyone who gets on the bus talks to him and he gives them plenty of banter back.”

The retired engineer, who moved to Norfolk from Reading, in Berkshire, chooses three or four books each time, a mix of large print crime, biographies and puzzle books. He smiles as he holds up his latest read: Grow Old Along With Me by Lorna Cruddas.

Formerly a Londoner, the widower, whose wife Ellen died in 1966, is proud to have held a driving licence “from 21 to 91” and to have still been playing bowls into his nineties.

Although teetotal and a non-smoker, George said: “In many ways, I do everything that should be bad for me.

“I have never eaten a root vegetable in my life, apart from carrots, and my mother would never have me vaccinated.”

Hi Liz, what a wonderful surprise for George, hope he had a great day. Love the Queen's letter being in his pocket.

I had been trying to find the death of one of my great uncles and put in the usual search of 100 years, I looked for many months at various sites, cemeteries, newspapers etc. I gave up for a while then found him finally, he passed away aged 105 years. What a surprise that was.

Gail

A New Zealand woman recently turned 100 and received a card from the Prime Minister congratulating her on her 100th Wedding Anniversary! She was highly amused when it was pointed out to her.

Huia.

What I love about these centenarians is their with-it ness. They seem much brighter than many younger than themselves.