Former firefighter celebrates 100th birthday

Len Fowell in his firefighting days

Shropshire firefighters will call into an Ironbridge day care centre on August 12 at 2pm to wish former firefighter 100-year-old Len Fowell a happy birthday, with a cake and a signed card.

A member of the auxiliary fire service from 1940 to 1946 and in the national fire service until he retired in the1960s, Len also served as a firefighter at Mombassa airport in Kenya. He received the fire institutional award after his distinguished service.

Len, who worked at Dunlops in Birmingham, lives with his wife Iris in Woodside, Telford, and visits Millbrook Day Care Centre, Beech Road, each day. A party is being held on Aug 13th at the day care centre to celebrate his centenary.

Linda Jones, senior care assistant, said Len had been coming to the centre since 2002 and everyone had got to know him really well.It was an honour to be sharing his special day with him.

"It will be good for him to reminisce about his experiences with local firefighters," she said.

Len said his secret to long life is: "Take each day as it comes and be happy."

7th August, 2009