Shropshire centenarian Cliff drums up a birthday bash
[gallery] He has been playing the drums for most of his life and today is no different as Cliff Crockett celebrates his 100th birthday.
The jazz musician, from Hanwood, near Shrewsbury, has been drumming since he was seven-years-old.
And Mr Crockett, who has been a member of the Severnside Jazz Band since 1998, will be performing at his regular slot at The Four Crosses pub in Bicton during his party today, but insists he does not want any fuss.
Wife Edna, 88, who met her husband when he played at a dance, said today: "I met him because I booked his band for a dance.
"He's played in bands for years and his doctor thinks it keeps him young."
Neighbour, John Larkham, said: "When asked what he wanted to do for his birthday he said he didn't want a fuss.
"He's a very modest person but we couldn't let this pass without celebrating because he's had an amazing life and he's an amazing person."
The couple, who have no children, quickly fell in love when they met in 1953, and even built their own house together in 1959.
They have lived there ever since, and Mr Crockett is a much-loved member of the community.
He was born in India on February 2 1914, and moved to England in 1918.
Mr Crockett left school at 15 and did an engineering apprenticeship, before he was drafted into the Army.
He was involved with the evacuation of Dunkirk with The Royal Signals during the Second World War, and was sent home wounded in 1939.
But, ever the character, Mr Crockett was one of the founding members of The White Helmets motorcycling team, who put on displays all over the country.
Mrs Crockett said: "He set it up and they did lots of stunts and what have you, that was an exciting thing in his life."
And The White Helmets Motorcycling Association will be attending Mr Crockett's party. He was even guest of honour at one of their performances.
The former RAF Shawbury Ministry of Defence worker, who worked as an engine fitter and inspector for 34 years, has been in bands all his life, once playing for the Manhattan Dance Band at the old Morris Hall in Shrewsbury.
He still drives and has no plans to give up drumming any time soon.
He said: "Mr doctor believes it keeps me alive, it's quite physical and I really enjoy it."
Mrs Crockett added: "It's not just the drumming that keeps him young, it's a wife like me.
"He's very well looked after."
