Report of Sgt. Harry Winter's 100th Birthday - May 21, 2022
The weeks of planning and anticipation culminated with a gala birthday celebration for Harry. Nick Gras,(to Harry's left in the photo), a friend and a fellow Mason has been organizing the celebration and has several Masonic Lodges assisting him. Harry had become aware of a local hospital's need for a speciaized children's unit so he decided to begin a fund raising drive. Harry began the fund raising by writing a check for 1,000 pounds and asked that rather than any birthday presents he would appreciate if people donated to the fund. Nick and fellow Freemasons had also arranged news coverage of the party and the fund raising.
Ken Sorfleet of the 427 Association executive had contacted the Air Force Advisor at the High Commission in London and Colonel James Hawthorne made an appearance at the birthday party on Saturday and added the RCAF's best wishes on Harry's birthday and thanks for his wartime service with 427 Lion Squadron
The photo above is a mock up of Harry's check that he will be presenting to the hospital as his donation.Harry has told everyone he does not want or need any birthday presents; however, on hearing the local Croydon University Hospital was building a new children’s unit and needed funds to pay for specialist equipment, Harry said he would use his milestone birthday to help. Local Freemasons have pledged to donate £20,000 out of the £200,000 required. At the photoshoot Harry announced to the Doctors and Nurses assembled that he would start the birthday fund himself by donating £1000. The new unit has a dedicated wing with sterile conditions to treat children with cancer. Harry and Nick were given a tour of the facility which is currently undergoing final installations and testing prior to a formal opening at the end of the month. See this link for donation information.
The links below are news coverage of Harry's birthday party.
Local News
NHS Croydon Health Services
Sutton and Croydon GUARDIAN
My London News
See also 427 Squadron Association Facebook site
Harry has been very generous in sharing his history with us and we are also privelged to participate in his birthday party celebrating his entry into the Century Club as a distinguised World War Two veteran.you can access all his stories and biography here.