A truly remarkable milestone was celebrated as a World War II RAF Veteran marked his momentous 100th birthday in Worsley.
The birthday celebrations were hosted for Harry Webster Appleton on Saturday 19 July at the Marriot Hotel in Worsley, with his landmark birthday taking place on Tuesday 22 July.
The celebrations were a fitting tribute to a truly remarkable man, a World War II RAF Veteran, who served as a Leading Aircraftman in the Bomber Command Regiment, based at Swinderby.
Harry served as part of the Flight Engineering Team in ‘Bomber Command’ in World War Two, he stayed after the war until 1959.
For the 100th birthday celebrations it saw four generations, who grew up in Swinton, come together, with Harry also being joined by his son Mark and his wife Lynne, followed by his cherished grandchildren, Lindsey, Christopher, and Luke.
The joy of the 100th birthday celebrations were further amplified by the presence of his great-grandchildren, Thea, Ava, and Summer, completing the vibrant four-generation tableau.
His granddaughter, Lindsey Appleton said: “The Marriott Hotel in Worsley provided the perfect backdrop for my Grandad’s momentous 100th birthday celebration. It was a magnificent day.”
“The room was absolutely beautiful, adorned exquisitely, and the bar and catering staff were nothing short of wonderful, ensuring the entire day ran smoothly with everyone in high spirits.
“And to have my children, and all of the family there was amazing – it was so wholesome, it was heartfelt.”
And adding to the prestige of the occasion, the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford was also in attendance, personally extending her congratulations on this extraordinary centennial birthday.
“He was so happy she was in attendance; he lit up inside. He couldn’t believe that she was there for the party.”
“He woke up early in the morning to get his letter from the King, as it arrived by special delivery,” she added: “He was over the moon, and it is crazy to think how far he has come.”
And seems that he has been able to become a beacon of inspiration for the family, as Lindsey continued: “He has been so important to our lives, he would take us on all sorts of adventures.
“Everyone would go to my Grandad and spend time with them. His house was the place to go, and he is the head of the family.”
And as time as gone on and his family has grown, his influence has been so apparent – supporting his grandsons with their music career as they tour the world – pinning the map in his backroom to see where they are on their tour.
As well as being the inspiration for Lindsey’s media career, she added: “He would always have a camera with him and had a strong passion for photography. So, when I was able to get a career in the media.
“So now I do my photos and interviews in music journalism, so it’s amazing to think that I have taken up a passion that he loved,” she continued: “He even asked if I would be the one taking the photos at the party.”
A respected man in the community, he is known by everyone as “Sir Harry Webster Appleton”, as an honorary title given to him by everyone and anyone who meets him.
Lindsey continued: “Everyone calls him sir, and he is so respected by people, it is really nice.
“And when he goes to his favourite Italian restaurant in Swinton, everyone is so kind and gracious to him.”
And throughout the day, he was able to continue doing, sharing “Countless captivating tales from his wartime days, stories that would always make us chuckle and inevitably evoke thoughts of Uncle Albert’s iconic ‘during the war’ saying from Only Fools and Horses.”
Lindsey continued to speak of the memories she has with her Grandad, she said: “Grandad has always been known for his avid love of his garden; when we were little, he was perpetually out tending to his beautiful flowers.
“His garage was another realm of wonder, where he’d potter about, magically transforming bits of wood and old bike wheels into fantastic go-karts for us.
“He even crafted a beautiful swing set for the bottom of his garden, where we spent countless summer hours, and a cozy play den shed nestled under his old pear tree.
“And we spent hours in his garden shed, so it is amazing to think my kids have also played in that shed, it is truly amazing.”
Describing her childhood memories, shows the impact he has had on everyone’s life around him, as Lindsey added: “Grandad wasn’t just central to our family; he became the elder statesman of his cul-de-sac as everyone grew up around him.”
In the celebration of his 100th birthday, Lindsey also took time to remember her Nana Jean, who Sir Harry Webster Appleton was married for many years to his wife, Jean, who was the “very foundation of their long and beautiful life together.”
She continued: “For countless years, their home was filled with the gentle hum of their devotion, shared laughter, and a quiet, comforting understanding that only decades of true companionship can build.
“Every glance, every shared cup of tea, every memory they created spoke volumes of a bond that transcended the ordinary.
Lindsey added: “Even now, though my Nana Jean has sadly passed and left a profound void, her spirit continues to live vibrantly within him.
“His treasured memories are a testament to a connection so deep; it shaped the very essence of who he is, a love story that will forever continue to inspire us all.”
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