Camelon’s Captain Fred celebrates his 100th birthday

Fred Walker has been a resident at Dorrator Court Housing with Care complex for nine years and had hoped to spend his day with daughter Janette and her family who were due to arrive from the United States, along with son Brian from Stenhousemuir.

Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic their trip was cancelled.

But kind-hearted staff at Dorrator Court were determined that VE Day veteran Fred would have a day to rememember.

As well as a birthday tea, they brought many of the residents outside into the sunshine where they were entertained by piper George McNeil from Denny and Dunipace Pipe Band.

Fred, who grew up in Stirling, said the party was “very unexpected” and he had thoroughly enjoyed it.

He added: “I’ve been very fortunate to have a great life. Looking back I’ve had a wonderful time.

“I’ve travelled the world, as far away as China and India and I’m fortunate to have two lovely children and grandchildren.

“It’s been a good life.”

Fred was an aircraft mechanic in the RAF from 1939-45. During this time he met his wife Marjorie at the Royal Air Force Station in Aberdeen and married in June 1944 in Birmingham.

Returning from wartime service the couple set up home in Mungalhead Road, Bainsford.

Fred recalled that he went back to work at Grange foundry in Camelon to finish off his apprenticeship.
Anne Henderson, senior Housing with Care worker said: “Fred is an extremely strong, independent individual enjoying his trip to the local shop to pick up his daily newspaper. He has only started to use a scooter in the last year but still gets around although his paper now gets delivered every morning.
“Fred was admitted to hospital in April with heart failure and after five days was back home with us and is still as independent as ever.
“He is our own Dorrator Court Captain Fred.”

Along with his son and daughter Fred has four granddaughters, one grandson and several great-grandchildren.

Daughter Janette who lives in Washington State but is currently in Arizona during the pandemic said: “He’s had a great birthday and we plan on making his 101st birthday even more spectacular.”