A CHARMING gent – who has an extraordinary life of memories meeting Hollywood stars – is celebrating his 100th birthday.
All eyes were on John Dale at Gala Bingo, Grimsby, as he partied Hollywood-style with family and friends at his favourite place to mark his special day this Friday.
Even though the centenarian can't play bingo anymore, he still enjoys the social scene with his wife Flora, 80.
John, who volunteered in the Royal Airforce, moved to America to set up his own business designing mobile homes in California for the likes of Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Joan Crawford, Doris Day and many more.
John, who was born in Radford, Nottingham, said: "I have so many happy memories and I have done such a lot of things.
"When I worked in California I worked in the film studios and met a lot of celebrities. But my favourite had to be Joan Crawford; she was a lovely lady.
"My fondest memory over the years has to be marrying my wife of over 11 years. It was a brilliant and big affair.
"We get on by not telling each other lies and we don't quarrel."
John is a big animal lover and has had many pet dogs in the past.
He said: "Recently the owner of Rushmoor Farm brought a barn owl to our house. I am crazy about animals – especially dogs.
"We used to have a lovely border collie cross German Shepherd called Rodger."
John lived in America for 19 years, but wanted to retire in England. He married his first wife Annie in 1937 and they had a son called Jeffery who sadly died this year.
John first met Flora through family and friends before he left for the states, but when he returned they rekindled their friendship.
Flora said: "My previous husband sadly died of cancer in 1993 and John's wife died of cancer in 2001.
"After that I travelled each week stocking John up with meals – he is no cook and is hopeless in the home!
"So he plucked up the courage and asked me to marry him.
"We are very happy together and John has had a very full life – he is in very good health.
"The only thing that frustrates him is that he can't walk and he used to do a lot of walking and climbing in the Yorkshire Dales.
"He is such a charmer and we take every day as it comes."
The 100-year-old, who lives in Links Avenue, Mablethorpe, also won many awards when he served in St JohnAmbulance for 12 years.
He became an ambulance driver in 1948 and he worked his way up to station superintendent as officer in charge of Newark Ambulance Station.
John added: "The Gala Bingo staff spoil me.
"This is the closest bingo hall to us and it has a nice atmosphere.
"All the staff really look after me, pushing me in the wheelchair, and putting on a birthday celebration."
Sharon Smith, hospitality manager at Gala Bingo, said he is theiroldest customer.
Sharon said: "We have thrown him a Hollywood-themed party because he used to live in California for many years.
"Friends and family from afar attended, which was a surprise.
"He is such an interesting man and we always make sure we do our best to look after him."
Meet a happy couple who have been married for 72 years in tomorrow's Grimsby Telegraph.
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