Well, He is tomorrow - 11 June.

Born in Byalistok, Poland in 1922 to Zachary and Elizabeth. Along came little sister, Irene and younger brother - who was realy a a cousin (don't ask), Stanislaw and the family was complete. After having moved from Byalistok to Zachary's home town of Kropotkin in Russia they then had to flee from the Stalinist regime because of Zacharys anti-commumist views. Back to Elizabeths home town of Byalistok where her family, sucessful horse breeders, could help to support them. But in 1939 when a certain little Austrian has his eyes on Poland things got far worse. First the threat of German Occupation, then Russian it was little wonder that the whole family ended up in England.

Here he spent his life as a devout Russian Orthodox - His dad had become a priest by then - And then Roman Catholic. He married my Mum in 1952 and we stayed as a reasonably happy, if barking mad, family of myself, the eldest, and a little sister and brother. Then, after 20 -odd years differences between Mum and Dad became too severe to be reconciled and they went their own ways - Quite happily and they have remained friends since. She will be coming to attend the celebrations today.

He has worked all his life - Mainly as a Painter and Decorator. Is multi-lingual (English, Polish, Russian, some German, some Italian) and was active in his trade union unto he was 70! Quite frail now with a memory that comes and goes at will, but I hope I am as fit at his age!

If anyone would care to join me in saying Happy Birthday, Sto Lat or Mnogaya Leta feel free to raise a glass or two to a grand old man.

Cheers

Dave the Gnome