Dive into this, Bill... happy 105 birthday number

ASHBOURNE war hero Bill Milward turns 105 today – and a group of his best friends have been busy preparing a special Covid-secure celebration for him.

The D-day veteran, who turned up a Shrovetide ball on his 100th birthday, has been isolating at home throughout the pandemic.

But he will be heading out to his driveway this afternoon so that his neighbours can sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to him from their doorsteps.

But his birthday surprises will not end there. His local chip shop, Queen’s Fish and Chips in Blenheim Road is providing him with his favourite meal, and his friends have also arranged for a special cake to be made for him.

Along with his gifts and surprises, well-wishers have been dropping off dozens of cards for him at points around the town. The cards, which will include birthday wishes from the Ashbourne branch of the Royal British Legion and Ashbourne town Council, have been dropped off at Pine Croft Stores on the Derby Road estate.

Another card collection has been arranged by Ann Smith, who helps to co-ordinate the Ashbourne Covid-19 Community Support Group. She is quarantining the cards at her home in Park Avenue, ready to give to Bill on the big day. She said: “We just want to make sure his day is as special as possible, so we’re doing everything we possibly can.”

Mr Milward, who was given his first coronavirus vaccine last month, served in the Royal Army Service Corps and drove an amphibious vehicle on D-day, shipping supplies to the troops.

On his return to Ashbourne, he worked in the furniture trade and he now lives in Peak View Drive, supported by friends and family.

Until relatively recently, Mr Milward loved walking and would walk several miles a day, always stopping off to wave to his friends at Hilltop Primary School, which he often visited before the pandemic to share stories with the children.

Last year, part of his birthday surprise was a gigantic card, filled with messages left for him on social media.

His family say this year he has been feeling down about the prospect of spending his birthday in lockdown, but the series of surprises in store for him are sure to lift his mood.

We want to make sure his day is as special as possible, so we’re doing everything we possibly can.

Ann Smith

105th today D-day veteran Bill Milward celebrates his bi rthday A special cake made for Bill by Debbie Challinor

Bill Milward who will be celebrating his 105th birthday today. Left, Bill on parade with his medals and, far left, in a WWII amphibious vehicle of the sort he went ashore in on D-day in 1944.