Park Gate centenarian celebrates

A RETIRED plumber and great-grandfather-of-six is celebrating his 100th birthday.

Arthur Wingham Haffenden, from Park Gate, has today received his letter from the Queen congratulating him on living for a century.

The grandfather-of-five was born in Kent on December 16, 1914, the son of a farmer and an accountant and the youngest of seven children. He served in the Home Guard from 1939-45 but the majority of his working life was spent as a plumber, until he retired in 1979 and moved to Hampshire in 1980.

Arthur has stayed active by going fishing, playing bowls and collecting stamps. He is also a member of the committee for the block of flats where he lives independently.

Arthur celebrated his landmark year with his wife of 74 years, Gentillia, and his daughters Shirley and Pamela.

Pamela, her son Nigel and grandchildren Jake and Teigan travelled from their home in Australia to join the rest of the family spanning four generations at a big celebration at the Botley Park Hotel.

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Park Gate centenarian celebrates