Eric’s treated like royalty as he celebrates milestone birthday
Centenarian Eric Fieldhouse was treated as King for the day as he celebrated his milestone birthday with a letter from the Queen.
Although lockdown rules restricted numbers at his birthday party to only five members of the family at his home in Walsall, he was treated to a chorus of “Happy Birthday” from neighbours.
He put his long and happy life down to “a good wife and good family” and added “what more can you need?”.
Eric, who does not drink alcohol and has not smoked, was born in West Bromwich where he lived until 1966, before moving to Pelsall.
He met his wife, Kathleen Saunders, who passed away five years ago, at Sunday School when he was eight-years-old.
They began dating when he was 15 and eventually married at the Wesley Chapel, in West Bromwich, on June 26, 1943.
They went on to have three children, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
During the Second World War, Eric was a radio operator and went to Bush Radio in London to help develop radar.
His granddaughter Jo Fieldhouse, a photographer and co-owner of Flaunt-IT! model agency, said, despite the restrictions, Eric had enjoyed his day.
“He is really amazing and has enjoyed receiving a card from the Queen and has been wearing his own crown,” she said.
“People living along the street also showed their kind regards by turning out to sing Happy Birthday.”
