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Asda Southport help Britain's oldest man celebrate his 109th birthday

August 26, 2021 01:46pm
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A very happy 109th birthday to Britain's oldest man, John Tinniswood.

He's a well-known figure in Southport and lives in the Hollies Rest Home across the road from our Southport store, so community champion Sharon Gregory-Wareing and store manager Zara Hunter called round with cake and a card to wish him many happy returns.

Sharon said: "109 is such an incredible age, and we thought it was important to wish him a happy birthday from us all here. It's staggering to think he was born in the year the Titanic sank and has lived through two world wars. He's a lovely man and such an inspiration.

"The last year or so has shown how important it is to celebrate milestones like this, and we're all thrilled to know that Britain's oldest man lives next door to our store.

"John was taken a back by the card signed by all the colleagues and when he saw the cake he said, 'Is that for me?'"

Sharon has worked closely with the Hollies Rest Home over the years – including one of her first events when we launched our Community Life programme.

John, a big Liverpool FC fan, used to work as a depot clerk and accountant for Shell-Mex and BP.

He's a father-of-one, grandfather-of four, and great-grandfather and loves having his favourite meal of fish and chips every Friday.

Problems with his eyesight meant John was given an administrative role with the Royal Mail during the Second World War.

He married his wife, Blodwen, in 1942, and welcomed their only child, Susan, in 1943, before spending 44 happy years together until Blodwen died in 1986.

Katie Howard, from the home, said: "John is such a gentleman; he's a humble person, mild-mannered and calm with a good sense of humour. You wouldn't think he was a 109 at all – he's so young at heart.

"He's still got great, long-term memory and loves to chat as well as listening to the news on the radio and reading the newspapers.

"He still loves his fish and chips on a Friday so we'll be having that this week to celebrate."

She said Sharon and the team at our Southport store had been extremely supportive over the years.

She said: "We'd really like to thank Sharon and Asda for all their help and bringing John a cake and card to mark his 109th birthday was such a lovely gesture."

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