90th Birthday

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We did it. The clans gathered from 4 corners of the world and we had a really good night. There were 90 people, family and friends, a band, good food and a spectacular cake. In the end Dad had 55 or so cards, and three celebratory meals before the party - one with Mum on THE day, one with Alex and me, Pat and Kerry the following day, and yet another with Liz and Jerry on Friday, when theyarrived. Lost of relations had a catch up, some staying close by. And an old colleague of Dad's was brought up from Somerset by his daughter and son - who arrived armed with a photo of when they visited our house in Ilford about 55 years ago - and which I'd forgotten all about. For some reason we 4 kids were all disguised with moustaches and odd hats! Pat and Kerry from Australia stayed with us for 6 nights and we had a lovely time with them - and sunk a few jars too.

Dad also had a celebration on the golf course on Tuesday. They had a cake and presented him with a framed certificate for being the oldest golfer to walk the course, rather than buggy it! He had a photo in the paper which I'll try to add in a minute. Just hold on.

Even better, this is what they wrote.........

Mr Holmes has been a member of Llanymynech Golf Club, near Oswestry, since 1985 and comes to play a round on a Tuesday and a Friday.The former RAF man, who now lives in Meifod, about a 20-minute drive from the club, is still very active and likes to walk the course.He turned 90 on April 3 and yesterday staff at the club presented him with a plaque for being the most active senior walking member of the club.Howard Jones, from the club, said: “Roy is a great character and looks after his elderly wife. On a Tuesday and a Friday he sneaks out here to play a round of golf.“Some people say Llanymynech Golf Course is hard to walk but we have a 90 year old who walks it twice a week.”He added: “It is nice to see his face here. He is a lovely guy and has so many stories.”Mr Jones said Mr Holmes had recently renewed his annual membership to the club.He said: “We have got him a little plaque and a frame to commemorate him being the most active senior walking member, and long may it continue.”Mr Holmes said: “I have been playing golf since I was young. I have been playing for about 85 years.“I like golf for the fresh air and the friendship.“I used to be in the RAF and I have played on courses all over the world including Australia and Ireland.”He said he hoped to carry on playing

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Photos

sunny picnic
but you can't see the snow lying on the grass behind me! Tom, Sophie and bump joined us.

decorating the hall
all hands to the deck

cutting the cakes
its a golf course - one is the tee and the other the putting green. With a model of Dad in icing. Mum ate his arm and hand.

sparklers
instead of candles.

Pat and Alex
sawed up lots of sycamore from the hedge

while Kerry
pruned the geraniums

Pat being a gentleman
and helping a lady to tie up her boat.

famous father
the photo in the Star. they also did a nice write up about him.

Comments

[Robyn]

looks fantastic
thank you for putting in the article in the newspaper! loved all the photos and glad you had such a good time. The cake looks good too!

[aunty Beb]

Wow what a party that was. Lovely photos too. Congratulations all round !!!

[Rosemary Star]

the big 90
Thanks Carrie for sharing these photos. Looks like you all had a fabulous time. I see you took Pat & Kerry to the canal boats - I remember it well, though it was a lot warmer for us. Love to you all in Wales.

[Sheelagh]

Hello to the Welsh contingent
I am so pleased to see the blog! The link was forwarded to me by Sue Hill. What a wonderful day you had! I really love the write-up from the golf course! The cake looks brilliant! My love to you all. I am so very pleased the party turned out as you had wished. I would so love to have been there, but was there in spirit! Uncle Roy looks fabulous!! A HUGE congratulations to him and to all who organised the 'gathering'. x x x