Some 40 members of North Baddesley Over 60’s Club were at North Baddesley Parish Council’s AGM on Tuesday 13th May to support Dennis Peckham as Parishioner of the Year.
They clapped and sang their club song, which "proves the old are young at heart", and records their affection for their village.
Mr Peckham attended North Baddesley School from 1928 to 1934 and recalls one of his teachers there saying "We should all strive to make North Baddesley a better place". He added, "We now have a village to be proud of".
After attending Romsey C of E School Mr Peckham joined Wills Nurseries at Romsey in 1937 and served in the RAF during the war. Altogether he spent 43 years with Wills, the last 10 as Nursery Manager before retirement in 1980.
He moved back to Baddesley, to his present house in Sylvan Drive, in 1987 and the next year joined the Over-60’s Club. He has played an active part there serving as entertainment officer for 15 years and has been chairman and vice-chairman. "I am very supportive of our club which brings much pleasure to a lot of people", he said.
Mr Peckham, who is also a member of Nursling and Rownhams Retired Men’s Fellowship and Romsey Royal British Legion, was presented with the award by Council Chairman David Knight. Thanking those who had nominated him, Mr Peckam added, "They seem to think I have done something useful. I hope they are right!"