Alec Penstone, aged 94 and his wife Gladys, who is 93, have something special to look forward to this weekend as they are being whisked to London by car to attend the televised Festival of Remembrance in the Albert Hall tomorrow (Nov 9).
The invitation from the BBC and the Royal British Legion was a complete surprise for the Shanklin couple and Alec says he’s not sure why he has been selected to attend the prestigious event. But he believes it may be because he is a veteran of the Arctic convoys, and took part in the Normandy landings aboard the ship MV Boudicca.
The couple, who have been married since 1945, are thrilled to be taking part in the annual commemoration of all those who have lost their lives in conflict. Alec said: “It is absolutely fabulous to be invited although it came out of the blue. We are so looking forward to it.”