December 15, 1951

THE oldest resident in the Redditch district Mr Charles Locke of Hewell Road, celebrated his 99th birthday on Monday.

He was born in Knowle in 1852 and came to this district when he was just 17 years of age. He worked for a few months at Beoley Hall Farm before going to Bordesley Farm where he remained until his retirement from work at 82.

For 53 years, he and Mrs Locke lived at the old Toll House, Birmingham Road. They had two sons and a daughter. His son was killed in the 1914-18 war. There are eight grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.