Retired Blackpool mechanic celebrates his 100th birthday

“There is no such thing as old age!”
William Broadley with son, Wayne Broadley and daughter Lynn Moore at home celebrating his 100th birthdayWilliam Broadley with son, Wayne Broadley and daughter Lynn Moore at home celebrating his 100th birthday
William Broadley with son, Wayne Broadley and daughter Lynn Moore at home celebrating his 100th birthday

“There is no such thing as old age!”

That was the message from centenarian William Broadley when he clocked up his 100th year.

He celebrated his milestone birthday with a garden party at his home in Carleton, where he was visited by friends and family who were determined to make the special occasion one to remember.

William Broadley meets Prince Charles at the VE70 celebrationsWilliam Broadley meets Prince Charles at the VE70 celebrations
William Broadley meets Prince Charles at the VE70 celebrations
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Born in Devonshire Road to a family of five children, William was well known locally in the motor industry, where he worked as a mechanic until he was 70.

He served his apprenticeship at Brimelows in Poulton, initially mending bicycles when he was 14. Throughout his career he worked at Imperial Garage on Dickson Road, Halfway Garage and Clover Leaf Garage at Squires Gate earning a reputation as a first class mechanic. He was able to fix those problems that others couldn’t.

During the Second World War he served with 14th Army - The Forgotten Army - in India and Burma.

And in 2015, when the nation marked the 70th anniversary of VE Day, William travelled to London where he proudly met Prince Charles.

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He was also a keen darts and dominoes player and played for many years at the Shovels on Common Edge Road. In fact he continued dominoes until well into his nineties with friends at the Newton Arms, until his eyesight declined. He is now registered blind.

Along with his late wife Jenny, who died 11 years ago after 64 years of marriage, he was a keen caravanner and an active member of the Lune Valley Camping and Caravan Club. It was a proud day for the whole family and his daughter, Lynn Moore, said: “He took great delight in the day but I think was overwhelmed by it all. My brother Wayne and nieces Gemma and Soraya did a grand job with the layout and catering and everyone seemed to enjoy it.”

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