'˜He's got a lot of get up and go': Rambler turns 100

Walker, Sid Hall is 100 years old, pictured with some of his friends from the Buckingham and District Walking Club and Winslow Ramblers and seated, left, Marian Hodges and middle, Jennifer McCallan, his daughters.

Great-grandfather Sid Hall reached the milestone on Wednesday and proudly displays his card from Her Majesty on the mantelpiece at home.

Before wife Win passed away, they lived toegther in Drayton Parslow and Sid has rambled with the Buckingham and District Walking Club ever since.

They threw a party for him at Chantry Chapel, organised by social secretary Gillian Scott, complete with cake and balloons.

Sid’s daughter Marian Hodges, 62, who was at the bash with sister Jennifer McCallan, thinks the ramblers have kept him fit and healthy.

“They are a good group,” said Mrs Hodges, who is mum to Katie, 29, and Judith, 22. “It’s the companionship and he really enjoys the walking.

“It’s the people which keeps him coming back. It’s like at work, it’s the people rather than the job which keeps you there. And he enjoys being outside, as he did lots of cycling when he was younger.

“He’s been very lucky – no arthritis or rheumatism. He just keeps going. He’s got a lot of get up and go.”

Sid, who now lives in Astcote, was born in Hemel Hempstead and worked for John Dickinson Stationery for more than 40 years. He is grandfather to Marian’s daughters and Jennifer’s daughter, Anna. And he is a great-grandfather to Nicholas, 13, and Marcus, nine.

They had a family meal on Wednesday after Sid enjoyed a pensioner’s club party. And they are all gearing up for a party with 100 special guests at Astcote Village Hall tomorrow.