In a heartwarming community celebration, war veteran Donald Howkins has commemorated his remarkable 105th birthday with an outpouring of affection from local schoolchildren in Enfield. The special occasion was marked by the delivery of almost 350 handmade cards, creating a memorable day for the D-Day hero who served with the 90th Middlesex Regiment of the Royal Artillery.
A Community Comes Together for a Local Hero
The festivities were organised by the caring team at Elsyng House on Forty Hill, where Donald has resided for the past three years. This purpose-built care home provides residential, nursing, memory, and respite care for up to 76 residents, and its staff went above and beyond to ensure Donald's milestone birthday was celebrated in style.
Children from four local schools participated enthusiastically in the celebrations. Pupils and staff from Worcester's Primary School, St George's Primary, and Forty Hill Primary visited personally to extend their best wishes. Meanwhile, youngsters from Oasis Academy in Enfield performed songs and presented their handmade creations, adding a musical touch to the joyous afternoon.
Royal Recognition and Family Reunions
The birthday celebrations gained royal recognition with a special card arriving from His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla. This added to the sense of occasion for Donald, who enjoyed the company of his son Alan, who had travelled from the United States specifically for the event.
"Thank you to everyone who has made me feel special," Donald expressed gratefully. "I have enjoyed every moment, and I am very grateful for all the love." His appreciation was echoed by family members who gathered to celebrate this significant milestone.
Military Service and Post-War Life
Donald's remarkable life story includes significant military service during the Second World War. As a motorbike dispatch rider in northern France in 1944, he landed on Gold Beach in June at just 23 years old. Following the war, he returned to Winchmore Hill and resumed his career as a butcher, raising three children with his wife Dorothy.
Alina Achitei, Lifestyles Team Leader at Elsyng House, reflected on the significance of the celebration. "Donald has become a bit of a local celebrity and so many people wanted to wish him well. The thoughtful, hand-drawn cards from the children were very special and something he can look back on. He gave so much in his service career and it's wonderful to see the community showing him so much affection in return."
Family Tributes and Celebratory Details
The birthday party featured entertainment from singer Siobhan Walsh and a bespoke cake decorated with icing medals, honouring Donald's military service. In a heartfelt speech, Donald's son Alan thanked the staff and residents at Elsyng House for being "good carers" and "good friends."
Alan shared insights about his father's character, noting, "What I never knew about my dad was his wartime exploits, he never talked about it. He's a proud wartime veteran – so Dad – thank you." The celebration continued late into the afternoon before Donald retired for an early night, having thoroughly enjoyed his special day.
Alina added a final reflection on the day's events: "Life is tiring when you're 105, especially when you have 300+ cards to read, but we're very glad he's had the opportunity to feel the affection his community holds for him." The celebration served as a beautiful testament to intergenerational connection and community spirit in Enfield.
