Surprise party for centenarian

Many family & friends attended the surprise celebration, including Grandson David and daughter-in-law Cheryl, who travelled from Canada to share in the festivities on Walters special day.

Clearly overwhelmed, a delighted Walter said: "It's a wonderful surprise, I can't believe it, but don't know what all the fuss is about!"

Born in West Ham on 24th March 1909, Walter is described by daughter Yvonne as, "a man of many talents who has lead a rich and varied life."

Yvonne said although her Dad was to eventually show talent and flair with a needle & thread, initially, Walter trained as a cabinetmaker, completing his apprenticeship in 1929.

"Dad was schooled in the art of English furniture making, and his final pieces of a walnut bed end carved with ram's heads, and a cane tub chair, are still proudly displayed in his home."

A life on the ocean waves was to follow, when, in his early twenties, Walter had a change of career and took up employment as Head Steward on the P&O liner, SS Strathnaver.

Whilst working on the Strathnaver, travelling the world and visiting many far away places - including Colombo, Aden, the Suez Canal and Australia - Walter met, and married first wife, Julia May Gaunt.

Together they had daughter, Yvonne, who later married Donald Boughton, and had son's, David, Raymond & Robert.

During the war years, Walter kept busy working on the radar systems in Wellington Bombers, in a factory building tanks, and was also an active member of the Home Guard.

Julia worked as a seamstress for Ian Thomas, and Norman Hartnell, who were couturiers for HM Queen Elizabeth.

Walter assisted Julia by cutting out patterns and material, and together they helped to create a number of the Queen's outfits, one of which graced the cover of Harpers magazine.

Multi-talented Walter never strayed too far from his apprenticeship roots though, and Yvonne said the majority of his career was spent at the British Standards Institute (BSI).

She said: "Dad was responsible for touring furniture and manufacturing plants and testing the quality of their products. While he was at BSI he also invented apparatus to test the wear and tear on lounge suites."

She added: "Although Dad retired from the BSI he continued to work well into his seventies for Brown & Root, purchasing and expediting."

In addition, in his spare time, Walter designed various inventions - including a device to sharpen the blades of power saws which was later purchased by Black and Decker.

Julia passed away in 1991, after fifty six years of marriage to Walter, and he later moved from North London to Little Common to enjoy the rest of his retirement.

Then eight years ago, at a local over sixties club,Walter met Audrey Ruth Robb, and last year when he was ninety nine and Audrey a sprightly seventy six, the happy couple married.

Walter enjoys dressmaking to this day, and he lovingly designed and made Audrey's stunning dress and jacket bridal outfit.

Yvonne said: "Dad is a true example of living life to its fullest potential, he keeps active by playing croquet and goes bowling."

To celebrate his 100th birthday Walter is planning a cruise down the Danube.

Asked what the secret was for his longevity Walter's advice is simple, he said: "Eat sensibly, don't drink much- apart from a little sherry every so often - and don't worry about anything."