Henry comes to town

Now 111 years old, and frail in his wheelchair, he commands huge respect as the very last left of the young men who signed up for the Royal Flying Corps in World War One.

On Saturday he made the journey from Brighton to Mais House in Hastings Road to officially open the summer fair at the home which cares for those formerly in the services, and their dependants.

Following the march of standard bearers of the Royal British Legion led by parade marshall Chris Bex, Henry spoke to the gathering of residents, relatives, staff and visitors before greeting individuals who wanted to shake his hand.

He said: "It is my privilege to be here this afternoon, and I would like this to be a tremendous success on behalf of the home, and it's lovely to be with you, and I send my very best wishes.

"So, take it away, enjoy your day, and you go - every one - with my very best wishes for your future."

One of the first to come forward to meet Henry was 90-year-old Fred Hayes, a former Royal Marine, wearing a fistful of medals commemorating his bravery at Dunkirk and during a raid on Dieppe where he lost fingers on his left hand and took shrapnel on his legs.

Another was William Jones, almost 93, who wore France and Germany medals for defence.

Youngsters, too, were eager to meet Henry - members of the Sea Cadet Corps lined up to take turns, including 16-year-old Able Cadet Jonathan Murphy, who presented a cap tally to represent T.S Hastings, and

commented: "It is a big honour to meet him."

Henry is one of three world war veterans invited to a private audience with the Queen on July 10. He has already met her seven times, as he was quick to inform the Observer.

Linda Jackson, matron-manager of Mais House, said: "He is lovely. The residents identify with him very well and are absolutely thrilled that he is here - we all are, really. When you see him, it puts it all into perspective."

It was Linda Jackson's job to organise the event which included tombola, raffle, bric-a-brac, book sale, games and clairvoyant readings by Rowanna Web and Sally Ainsworth using tarot cards and vibrations from flowers. A particular attraction was the tropical food stall manned by staff of Mais House - chef Armando Ramos who prepared a wonderful range of authentic food from the Phillippines, Jerrylen Mirando, Anavick Agustin, Michelle Granil, Cherry Jondonero, Alma Ragudo, and Winalyn So.

They served up pansit palabok, white rice noodles, and sio-pao with asado filling, which was sauteed beef with soy sauce, and espaso which is a type of shortbread.

The summer fair was also attended by Bexhill Town Mayor Cllr Paul Lendon, chairman of the amenity committee of the RBL, Peter Jackson, country chairman Julian Carr, county president Group Captain Derek North, and Legion national trustee Keith Pritchard.