Second World War veteran celebrates 100th birthday by playing Wurlitzer organ at Blackpool Tower Ballroom
“It’s like driving a grand prix racing car - it’s the ultimate.”
A Second World War veteran and celebrated photographer has marked his 100th birthday by returning to a place that holds special memories from his youth - Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
Stuart Clark, who celebrates his milestone birthday on Friday, 24 July, travelled from Garforth in Yorkshire with his family for a special celebration at the iconic ballroom, where he was invited to experience its famous Wurlitzer organ.
The visit was particularly meaningful as Stuart used to listen to legendary organist Reginald Dixon perform in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom during the 1930s. Blackpool was also the destination of his final holiday before he was drafted into military service in August 1944.
‘Everyone’s envious!’
“I can’t read a note of music, but I think I have a fairly good ear for music, but you may dispute that having heard me play! On Friday, I will be 100 years old and so a very dear friend of mine has organised for me to play the organ [at Blackpool Tower Ballroom], which is like driving a grand prix racing car - it’s the ultimate.
“I think everyone’s quite envious of my visit!” Stuart added. “We used to come over to Blackpool regularly. I first heard the organ play when I was 8 or 10 and it’s sat with me ever since. It’s wonderful really - the big factor of the organ is the distinctive sound.
“When you go back to wartime, the last holiday before I joined the Army in August ‘44 was when I had a week in Blackpool and, on the Sunday, we went to the Tower Ballroom.”
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During the Second World War, Stuart served as a combat cameraman with the British Army Film and Photographic Unit (AFPU). After completing training at the unit's headquarters at Pinewood Studios, he was deployed to both Europe and the Far East.
Following the war, he built a successful career as a professional portrait photographer and educator, continuing to run a professional studio and mentor younger photographers into his late 90s.
Stuart is the oldest member of the British Institute of Professional Photography, adding another remarkable achievement to a century of life and service.