The long-distance lover
Ken, 100, clocks up 300,000 miles seeing sweetheart
Ken has flown 300,000 miles in 27 years to see Trudi in Vienna. Inset, map shows his travels CENTENARIAN Ken Pilgrim is a dedicated long-distance lover, travelling 300,000 miles to meet his partner. Over three decades Ken flew to Austria five times a year to be with his long-term partner Trudi Henkle, 93. Widower Ken, 100, first fell for Trudi on a visit to the capital Vienna 27 years ago with his late son Rodney, a former Conservative party agent. The couple met up again the following year in England, where their love blossomed. Over the following years they would spend a month together in Vienna, a month in England and then a month apart. Ken, of Taunton, Somerset, estimates he has travelled to and from Austria five times a year for 27 years – 300,000 miles in air travel alone. He said: “I’ve covered a lot of miles and we’ve both spent thousands on travel over the years. But it’s all been lovely.” Although Ken is no longer able to travel abroad Trudi flies over to see him as often as she can. And on Monday she arrived in Taunton to celebrate Ken’s 100th birthday. Trudi said: “I love coming to Taunton to see Ken. The people are so polite here. I get frustrated when I have to go back to Vienna.”
And she said of their relationship: “I think we keep each other young.”
Ken had lunch with his family and friends on Sunday, followed by a party on Monday when he celebrated his century with a flute of champagne.
He revealed that he broke his strict drinking rule for his special day – he drank slightly more than his daily ration of half a glass of wine.
Ken was born in Northampton during the last days of the First World War. He had two sisters, one of whom died aged 99. Still revelling in a spot of sibling rivalry, Ken added: “I’ve just beaten her.”
Tipple
Ken worked for 38 years as a designer of electrical equipment with Ford Motor Company, both in the UK and in Cologne, Germany.
He married in 1943 and had two sons, although both they and his wife have died.
Ken moved to Taunton several years ago to be closer to his nephew, retired police officer Nic Gardner who is one of his few remaining relatives.
He still lives independently, drives and gets up early every morning for his daily shopping trip to Tesco.
Ken puts his youthfulness down to his daily tipple of wine – and of course, his relationship with Trudi.
He said: “I have half a glass of red wine a day. That and a regular life may be the secret to reaching 100.” Another flying visit reunites long-distance duo