Enfield schoolchildren make Donald’s day as war veteran celebrates 105th birthday

Children from schools in Enfield helped make a war veteran’s day as he celebrated his 105th birthday with almost 350 handmade cards. Donald Howkins marked the day with a special afternoon tea organised by the caring team at Elsyng House Care Home, where he’s lived for the last three years. He enjoyed a tot of his favourite whiskey, which he credits his long life to, and was thrilled to celebrate his milestone with his son, Alan, who’d made the trip from his home in the United States.

The team at Elsyng House invited children from four local schools to make cards for Donald, which they hand-delivered on the day. Children and staff from Worcester’s Primary School, St George’s Primary and Forty Hill Primary popped in to wish him well, while youngsters from Oasis Academy in Enfield sang for him and presented him with their cards.

The D-Day veteran also received a card from His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

“I want to thank everyone,” Donald said. “I was very touched by the efforts the children had made. It made me very emotional.” Lifestyles Team Lader, Alina Achitei, said it was a joyful afternoon.

“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.”
Donald was a motorbike dispatch rider in northern France in 1944. As part of the 90th Middlesex Regiment of the Royal Artillery, he landed on Gold Beach in June, aged just 23. After the war, he returned to Winchmore Hill and resumed his career as a butcher, bringing up three children with his wife, Dorothy.
Donald’s son Alan and his wife, his daughter Susan, his grandson Gary and his granddaughter Katie were at Elsyng House for the celebrations, where the team had organised entertainment from singer Siobhan Walsh and a bespoke cake that was adorned with icing medals.

In a speech to the guests, Alan thanked staff and residents at the home for being ‘good carers’ and ‘good friends.’ Speaking about his long journey from America, Alan said, “It’s all worthwhile for him, every day. What I never knew about my dad was his wartime exploits; he never talked about them. He’s a proud wartime veteran – so Dad – thank you.”

Celebrations went on late into the afternoon, but it was soon time for an early night. Alina added, “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.”

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