By Carole Dennett
WWII veteran, Alec Penstone, welcomed family, friends, and military comrades to his 101st birthday party yesterday – a joyous celebration that almost never happened – and the IW Observer was proud to be a part of it.
A party had been planned earlier this month, but it was cancelled at the last moment when Alec was unexpectedly admitted to hospital. His birthday falls, fittingly, on St George’s Day, and for a time it seemed he might spend it quietly, without the public tributes he so richly deserved.
When we learned he had been discharged from St Mary’s on Friday, we knew our readers would want to send their love and gratitude for his service to this country. We contacted his daughter, Jackie, who told us that, although the celebration would be smaller than originally planned, Alec would be delighted to see us.
Representatives from the Wight Forces charity, Freemasonry in the Community, and members of Vectis Services Lodge – who visited Alec during his stay in St Mary’s Hospital and loved hearing his wartime stories – joined the gathering. The Island’s Lord Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon, also attended. It became one of those extraordinary moments where the love of family and friends and community pride and gratitude meet – all helped along by the warm spring sunshine.
We had an amazing response from our readers. Messages arrived from across the Island, many thanking Alec for his courage and service.
Others came from military associations from as far afield as Italy and America. We arranged dozens of these messages to be printed onto a giant birthday card, in the colours of the Navy uniform he wore with such pride from 1943. Beardsall’s Printing turned the card around at remarkable speed, while Grace’s Bakery quickly created a beautiful lemon cake, Alec’s favourite, decorated with the 1939–45 Star, just one of the medals Alec still proudly wears. We also took in handwritten cards readers dropped into our office, and messages that couldn’t fit onto the massive card.
Alec was visibly moved. “I’m overwhelmed,” he said quietly as he read through the messages. “I’m so very lucky.” He thanked IW Observer readers for their kindness and joked that he was looking forward to “the next 100 years”.
Born in Tottenham, in 1925, Alec Penstone may not have started life here – but the Island has taken him to its heart. And yesterday, we think he felt it.
Mal Butler 
Tilly Walder