Centenarian Sidney celebrates in style

Sidney, who celebrated his 74th wedding anniversary with Ivy Blake, 94, in February, was piped into his party by Ninfield piper Tricia Drawbridge.

Rather than presents, Sidney asked for money to be donated to Cancer Research and RABI, raising 700 to be split between them.

Family, friends, local Councillors, representatives from the Carnival Committee and members of the Royal Agrictultural Benevolent Institution were among those packed into Ninfield Memorial Hall on Sunday, March 29.

Daughter Marjorie Sharp, of Coombe Shaw, said: "He's such an inspirational man, even the great grandchildren love him to bits."

Sidney, who lives in Stocks Meadow, Ninfield, was born on March 25, 1909, in Hampshire.

He left school at 14, and worked as a shepherd with his father.

He spent his life working on the land, and was perhaps one of the last workers to use oxen.

At first, his duties included taking water to threshing machines, ploughing fields and working with shire horses.

His skill grew, and for several years he was the champion ploughman for Laughton and District, winning many cups for showing his horses.

In 1935 he married Ivy Jones.

The ring he offered her was bought with money won through barefisted boxing matches with stable hands.

They set up home near Ringmer, and Sid's work included ploughing fields in Pebsham and along the De La Warr Road, in areas now used for housing.

The couple now have five children, 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

After a shock in December, when he required an operation to fix a broken arm, Sid has made a full recovery.

He believes it is important to work, and still weaves wickerwork baskets.

Two weeks ago, to celebrate his birthday, his nephews took him to see another love - Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club.

The team won five nil, and gave Sid VIP treatment, including lunch and a free ticket for life.

Marjorie ensured Ninfield Memorial Hall was decorated with blue and white on Sunday after the Seagulls.

A party was also given last week by the East Sussex Association for the Blind at Herstmonceux in his honour.

Sid has been a member since the association began eight years ago, and is the first of their number to reach 100.

Marjorie said: "We always give him something to look forward to. He's been waiting for his party since his 99th. We're going to get started on the 101st before long."