Tea dance organist celebrates 100th birthday

An organist, who fulfilled his dream of performing for dancers at a town hall at the age of 99, has celebrated his 100th birthday.

Bill Bickley is a resident at the Croft Residential Home in Finchfield, Wolverhampton, and visits Wergs Golf Club in Tettenhall every day to "chew the fat with his friends", the home said.

He still enjoys playing his organ and "very much defies his age, thinking he is still in twenties", the home added.

He has played all his life, despite never having had a lesson, and said performing at a tea dance at Bilston Town Hall with friends from the home in October was "overwhelming".

Mr Bickley, who has served in the Royal Navy, was invited to play in the interval at the dance and performed several songs for his audience.

After being a mechanic in the Fleet Air Arm during World War Two, Mr Bickley, who has lived in Wolverhampton since he was a child, had a career as a salesman in the rag trade.

Paul Hipwood, the care home's activities coordinator, said he has a "very sociable life", along with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends and family around the world.

"Bills secret to a wonderful life? Standard Bill response... 'keep breathing'.", Mr Hipwood said.

Mr Bickley, who turned 100 on Wednesday, can often be heard reciting his favourite comedy, Dad's Army, "in particular the famous 'Don't tell him Pike sketch'", he added.

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