Centenary celebrations for Eddie from Smeeth

Edmund 'Eddie' Joynson celebrated his 100th birthday on February 17

Submitted for publication by Alice Pritchard, Ashford Borough Council

Edmund ‘Eddie’ Joynson celebrated his 100^th birthday at his home in Smeeth near Ashford on February 17. To mark his special day, he received surprises and good wishes from Her Majesty The Queen, the Mayor of Ashford, family and friends, as well as the Royal British Legion, school children and community members.

Eddie, as he is known to many, has lived in the village of Smeeth for over 30 years with his wife Rose until she sadly passed away a few years ago. They were married for over 60 years.

Originally from Leeds, Eddie saw active service with the RAF in the Second World War. He was a ground crew engineer working mainly on Hurricanes, Spitfires and Blenheims and spent some of his service in the Middle East.

During his RAF days he met and married his wife Rose from Great Chart and the couple had four children, three sons and one daughter; , 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and five great, great grandchildren.

After leaving the RAF and in peacetime Eddie worked as a civilian at the Old REME Workshops at Ashford. Besides his normal duties one of his great achievements was with a team that he led in designing and building a remote controlled vehicle which appeared one year at the Royal Tournament. Working his way up in the REME, he left Ashford and went to various units before retiring from the Woolwich Barracks.

He was a member at Sellindge Bowls Club for a number of years and in latter times his keenness and enthusiasm for the game has been shown at the Ashford Indoor Bowls Centre at Victoria Park. He was playing right up to the time that the game was stopped due to Covid-19 and is the first member of the club to reach 100 years old. To celebrate this momentous achievement, the Bowls Centre will erect a plaque to mark his 100^thbirthday.

Being a strong willed Yorkshireman with a very independent spirit, Eddie is keen to embrace modern technology and enjoys staying in touch with family and friends by way of his invaluable iPad.

His daughter, Rosemarie, said: “He richly deserves to reach 100 years old and receive his telegram from the Queen and all the joy and love that his birthday will bring”.