THE WHITCHURCH community joined together to celebrate the 100th birthday of one of the town’s stalwarts.

Whitchurch Mayor Cllr Andy Hall along with family and friends who had travelled considerable distances celebrated Tom Bate’s 100th birthday at the District Club on Friday, October 27.

Tom was pleased to see everyone, as his loved ones including his daughter-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren attended to mark the special milestone.

His daughter-in-law, Carol, said: “He has seen 22 Prime Ministers, and five Monarchs and he was really pleased and honoured to receive his card from King Charles on his birthday."

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Tom was one of nine siblings and left school at 14, but four years later, at 18, he signed to serve King and country and saw action transporting tanks and heavy machinery with the Royal Army Ordinance Corps in North Africa and Italy and later in the war years driving Brigadier Shilling around Europe.

Carol explained that he got married in 1947 to his sweetheart Anne Evanson and they lived in a little house on St Mary’s Street, later moving back to Newtown and then Meadowview Road with son Andrew and for a few years welcomed their niece Julie into the home too.

Tom successfully ran his own business until he retired aged 55.

Sadly, Anne passed away in 1977 and a few years later he met up with Peggy, a childhood friend, and they spent 32 happy years together living in Warrington until she passed away in 2014.

Tom then went to live with Andy and Carol, until Andy realised his dreams was to build their house in Fenns Bank, going full circle.

Carol continued: “He enjoys all sports, particularly football and horse racing.

“His big passion is fishing, the love of which he passed to Andy and I thought if you can’t beat them join them otherwise I would never see my hubby.

“That passion has now passed down to David and who knows little Ed one day.”

The other notable hobby he had was raising budgies back in the day and won many competitions and rosettes for his best birds.

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Carol added: “We can’t finish without including the two loves of his life today, his adored wife Anne, Andy’s mum, and his long-term lady Peggy, both of whom hopefully are up there raising a glass and we should do the same.

“So please raise your glasses or teacups and join me in wishing Tom a very happy birthday.”

The daughter-in-law also took a moment to thank the Mayor, the District Club for the venue and Louise Welch for the buffet.