Norman scoots on at 104

Not everyone riding to their club gets greeted by a choir.
104 year old Norman joins friends at The Yews for his birthday104 year old Norman joins friends at The Yews for his birthday
104 year old Norman joins friends at The Yews for his birthday

But at the age of 104 mobile Norman Mounsden is not just any visitor to The Yews Centre near Muster Green, Haywards Heath.

The oldest person using the centre and its first centenarian, Norman arrived on his milestone birthday on his mobility scooter, to be cheered by the sound of “Happy Birthday” from other members to mark the occasion.

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Norman motors to The April Club meeting every week to have lunch with his pals.

104 year old Norman joins friends at The Yews for his birthday104 year old Norman joins friends at The Yews for his birthday
104 year old Norman joins friends at The Yews for his birthday

Elizabeth Peel, the club organiser, said: “Norman is really extraordinarily active and independent for someone of well over 100 years.

“He comes along under his own steam and doesn’t need picking up with the accessible minibus. We are very happy to have him as a member”

Norman began his working life on a tea plantation in India and returned to England just before the outbreak of the Second World War and then joined the Admiralty where he specialised in developing anti-torpedo systems to protect ships. After the War he joined the RNLI and continued to be involved with them after retirement, when he was also a adviser on early British stamps for Stanley Gibbons.

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The April Club is for people with physical disabilities and mobility problems of different kinds which has been based at The Yews for 30 years . Most of the 15 to 20 members are now on the elderly side, though Norman is the first Centenarian +, but meetings are lively and the club organises outings and trips regularly. Elizabeth said: “I’d be happy to hear from anyone who would like to join the club . We can arrange minibus transport, too. Call in to The Yews or telephone me there on 014444 412367.”