‘I have met death square in the face, you should count your blessings’
BAGPIPER AND MAYOR AMONG GUESTS AS HARRY TURNS 100 WITH SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY
THIS is Harry Wilson celebrating his 100th birthday.
And in true style, he even had a piper to pipe him into his surprise party on Wednesday, where dozens of friends and loved ones waited for him to arrive.
Harry, of Mead Walk, west Hull, thought he was going to Anlaby Park Community Library, where he is a regular, for some birthday tea and cake, but had no idea he was actually having a party there.
“It’s marvellous,” he said. “I never expected it. The piper, I haven’t seen him for many years. “We used to be in the pipe band together.” Harry said his birthday celebrations were not stopping there either.
“I’ve had a card from the Queen and Secretary of State,” he said. “I’ve been to one reception and then on Saturday we are having people coming from abroad. We are having a do at The Country Park. It’s a bit much actually for an old man.”
Harry even had a visit from the Lord Mayor of Hull Councillor Pete Allen at his party and sang to his guests, who toasted him and sang to him, too.
The father-of-four was born in Bury, Lancashire, and moved to Hull in 1959, living in Rosedale Grove. He married his late wife Johanna in 1948, and had two daughters and two sons, Helen, the youngest, Andrew, Nordina and Louis, the eldest.
After being in the Royal Engineers, Harry finished up as a staff sergeant. And after six-and-a-half years in the Army, Harry went on to qualify as an architect.
He later moved to and worked in Hull, before working for the council in the East Riding as an assistant architect.
Harry, who has been retired 36 years, says he has had a wonderful life.
His youngest daughter was the only one of his four children born in the city, but he has now lived here for almost 60 years.
“I’ve lived a happy, full life,” he said. “I’ve met death square in the face and I think of the lads who never had the chance. I always think of them.
“I think count your blessings. I’ve been a very, very lucky man, so I’ve no complaints.
“I’ve had a good life, I had a charming wife and I’ve got four children. My oldest lad is 70 next year.”
“It’s marvellous. I never expected it. The piper, I haven’t seen him for years Harry Wilson