102-year-old naval veteran had 'unforgettable' day in Bidford

His friend Pamela, with the help of Bidford’s community, organised the surprise visit for Mr Holbrook last week.

He was greeted by Parish Councillors Bill Fleming (Chair) and Harry Knight, along with Andrew Taylor from Alcester and District Probus Club.

Mr Holbrook was also invited to lay a wreath at the Bidford War Memorial with George Onens from the British Legion, which he said he was "honoured" by.

Several other residents also gathered to meet the veteran, and the Bidford Midcounties Co-op also presented him with a celebratory food hamper.

After spending time chatting to well-wishers, he headed off for lunch at The Bridge, Bidford, before being driven back home to Bristol by his friends from his local Probus Club.

And Pamela said that "Reg had a day he will never forget - and neither will those he met".

"Reg brought a smile to everyone’s face and spread a little more happiness around our community – he shows you can continue to celebrate life at any age," she added.

Mr Holbrook and Pamela first met seven years ago at the British Legion Hotel in Weston Super Mare, where Pamela was staying with her husband Dennis at the time.

He and Dennis enjoyed sharing tales of Navy life in the evenings.

Reg was serving in the Fleet Air Arm Japan in August 1945, when victory was declared, and WWII effectively came to an end.

They all met once more in Weston before Dennis sadly passed away, but Mr Holbrook and Pamela have kept in touch since.

Reg celebrated his 100th birthday at home in Bristol in 2019 but Pamela couldn’t attend due to Dennis’s illness, so he promised to visit her in Bidford instead.

Pamela said: "Reg is such a cheerful and positive person, who likes to keep up to date with technology - he recently bought another iPad as well as a new smartphone.

"Earlier this year he decided to hand in his driving licence, in case his eyesight might become a problem, and now he has an electric scooter so he can keep on shopping and socialising."