STILL busy at the tender age of 105 is Crediton man John Allen.
John is an active member of Crediton Parish Church congregation and for about 10 years has been a regular reader to children at Hayward’s Primary School as part of the Open the Book programme.
As part of the programme, readers visit the school to share a Bible story with the children in an assembly.
On March 22 the whole school sang “Happy Birthday” and he received a card which said “To a true Hayward’s Hero” on the front. He was also given a decorated pot with a plant inside.
Mr Allen gave a speech and received applause from the children.
When he does not read in person, he records it and it is played via YouTube.
John was born in Perth, Scotland on Tuesday, March 26, 1919, and saw active service in the Second World War in the Royal Navy from 1939 to 1946.
He served in the British Isles and outposts, around the Mediterranean, North Africa, Sicily and France.
He remembers well when Winston Churchill came to visit the sailors and gave his renowned V for Victory sign.
After the War he worked in catering in London for three brothers.
John explained that the business provided catering for cafes and restaurants across London and for private events in and outside of London.
Notably, John catered for events at the Tower of London, Hampton Court, the Victoria and Albert Museum and even The Oval Cricket Ground.
John said it was very interesting work and that it led to a range of interesting experiences and meeting many people.
He and his late wife, Audrey, had two children, Martin and Sue, and they lived in Worcestershire for 34 years.
John and Audrey moved to Crediton 16 years ago to be near their daughter.
Sadly, Audrey passed away in 2009.
John keeps busy in Crediton and regularly reads a lesson in Crediton Parish Church and volunteers at the Christmas Tree Festival.
Last weekend he attended the Christians Together in Crediton Walk of Witness around the town and later that day read a lesson during a Good Friday service at the parish church.
He received a card from the late Queen to mark his 100th birthday and recently received a card from King Charles and Queen Camilla to mark his 105th.
John enjoys fun and laughter wherever he goes.
He received a number of cards and gifts to mark his birthday and one which he was thrilled to receive was a medal from a Ukrainian lady who lived in Crediton for about six months who has since returned to Ukraine.
She sent John an engraved medal complete with an engraved message, which John said was very kind of her.