GOOD fortune is one of the key components to a long and healthy life according to former Davenham teacher William Palin who celebrates his 100th birthday today.
Known to many locally as the former headmaster of Davenham Primary School, the war veteran is looking forward to his telegram from The Queen and a time when he can reunite with his family to celebrate his remarkable life.
The centenarian, from Northwich, was a troop commander with the 21st Anti-Tank Regiment in the Guards Armoured Division and was involved in Operation Market Garden supporting the D-day landings.
On returning to the UK, William married his late wife Joan in December 1946 and the couple had two children, Sue and John. He studied teaching at Chester Teacher Training College, now the University of Chester, and began teaching at Davenham Primary School around 1966, before retiring as headmaster in 1979.
Sophie Evans, one of his four grandchildren, said: “Particularly fond memories of the school include inheriting a very good team of teaching staff. Under his headship, the school started taking the children abroad in the holidays including trips to France and Holland.”
“As he likes to say he's now been retired longer than he worked! But he has had a full and busy retirement.”
Five years ago, William received the Order–Chevalier of the Légion d’honneur – France's highest honour – and has also received an honorary degree from the University of Chester as their oldest alumnus.
William has seen many changes in Northwich over his life, from the days of subsided buildings to the time when the town boasted four cinemas.
Sophie said: “He has lots of memories of changes in the town. He can remember when Witton Street used to be a main shopping street and recalls that between the wars, at the top end of town, some of the houses had sunk so much because of subsidence that the doors of the houses were below pavement level. Doors could only be opened inwards and the properties were propped up with thick pieces of timber to stop them falling into the road.
“He also remembers that there used to be four cinemas – the Regal, Plaza, plus one at the bottom of Castle hill and another where the old Marks and Spencer car park used to be. He also used to go to the Northwich Victoria football ground which was then on Drillfield Road.”
Hobbies such as playing golf with his friends and travelling have paid a key part in William’s longevity.
Sophie added: “He and Joan were lucky enough to travel and particularly enjoyed visiting the United States and Canada plus regular visits to Majorca with friends. William was also a keen painter and many of his watercolours hang on the walls of family and friends.”
While family celebrations, which will also include his five great-grandchildren, will be on hold in the current climate, one thing that William is looking forward to is that all-important birthday message from Her Royal Highness.
Sophie said: “He is looking forward to getting a telegraph from The Queen. Due to the lockdown we won’t be able to celebrate his birthday, but as soon as we can we'll arrange a get together for friends and family to celebrate such a special occasion.
And so, just what is William’s secret to living healthily for a century?
Sophie said: “Good fortune. Both of his parents lived long healthy lives and he feels lucky to have inherited their genes.”
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