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Gunners fan Robert Allen at 100. His secret is ‘sleep, the odd pint, fresh air and keep away from women’ Picture: Elliott Franks |
At 100, Robert can’t stay idle
IN his days as a Blitz firefighter, Robert Allen rescued a child when he saw her tiny hand poking out from the rubble in the aftermath of a bombing.
Now, the man who risked his life to save others, is celebrating reaching the age of 100.
Mr Allen, who has lived in Highbury for 60 years, most recently in Poets Road, celebrated his landmark birthday at the Hilton Hotel, in Upper Street, Islington, on Sunday. He was surrounded by close family, friends, champagne and a telegram from the Queen.
His birthday treat, arranged by granddaughter and carer Anne Couzens, was a trip to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday to see his beloved Arsenal play Middlesbrough.
His daughter, Patricia Couzens, 62, said: “We had a nice get-together at the hotel. One of his friends who used to be a Welsh Guard came all the way from Cornwall.”
Her father appears on a video at the Fire Brigade Museum talking about the Blitz.
After he left the Fire Brigade, Mr Allen rejoined the family business as an upholsterer.
Since his retirement, he has spent his days painting and inventing solutions to household problems.
His daughter said: “He started painting and drawing when my daughter was little and now you can’t stop him. He likes to go out and sketch live. He makes his own picture frames. He doesn’t like being idle.”
Although usually active, Mr Allen has had trouble with his knees and is staying at Cheverton Lodge Care Home in Holloway while he regains sufficient strength to move back home.
Ms Couzens said her father has often joked that the secret to a long and happy life is “sleep, the odd pint with friends, plenty of walking and fresh air, to keep the mind interested and busy, and to keep away from women”. |
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