Sprightly Rotarian Sam Harrison was 90 years of age on November 9 and had planned to spend a quiet evening at the weekly meeting of his Rotary Club of Narberth and Whitland. It was not to be! A few surprises had been lined up for him by Rotarian Ken Morgan and his fellow Rotarians.

A flabbergasted Sam was met at his home by Mike Hickling, of East Williamston, appropriately attired in Army uniform, complete with World War Two Willys Jeep which transported Sam to the Plas Hyfyd Hotel, Narberth, where he was met by over 60 Rotarians and friends, most of whom were dressed in 1940s costume -both service and civilian.

The staff at 'The Plas' were outstanding and joined in the fun by wearing tin hats and uniform.

To start the evening, the audience was subjected to an ear shattering 'raid' by the young members of the Narberth Cadet Force, which terminated in the presentation of a box of chocolates to the amazed Sam.

During the course of the evening, films were shown of Bailey Bridge building - Sam's specialty as a member of the Royal Engineers in France during the last war.

Since leaving the army, after 25 years service, Mike Hickling has taken up model-making and presented the delighted Sam with a model of a Bailey Bridge.

Plas Hyfryd chefs, Paul Smith and Karl Jones-Hughes, had crafted an excellent birthday cake in the form of a football pitch dedicated to Sam's beloved Everton football team. However, on one half of the pitch was constructed a prisoner of war camp in which the dreaded Liverpool football team had been incarcerated.

A special souvenir programme was published by communications chairman, Rotarian Patrick Jones, to mark the occasion.

The evening was punctuated by the eerie, unforgettable sound of an air raid siren which had been generously loaned for this special event by Carew Cheriton Control Tower Trust.

Sam chose Elaine Davies as the Best Lady for her nurse's costume, complete with extensively bandaged patient (husband - Rotarian Ted); Rotarian Nigel Towns was the very epitome of the cockney spiv, complete with striped suit, trilby and suitcase containing 'black market' nylons, cigarettes and chocolates, while Sam chose Lynn Werrett, chairman of the Inner Wheel Club of Narberth and Whitland, as overall winner as the most attractively dressed person of the evening. Lynn personified the typical 1940s lady amongst an array of RAF, Army and Navy officers, together with girls from the Land Army and many others, bringing back memories to those of us old enough to remember them.

Following his Army discharge in 1948, Sam Harrison continued his personal commitment to public service as a mentor to many young people in the Birkenhead district. Later in Heswall, Merseyside, he served the local community as a Liberal councillor for many years. He was a staunch member, and Sunday School teacher, at Christchurch, Barnston, and after moving to Allensbank, Templeton, has been a faithful worshipper at St. John's Church, Templeton.

He served for many years as chairman of the Templeton Community Association, a post he recently relinquished to devote more time to his good lady Betty.

His distinguished commitment to the Rotary Club of Narberth and Whitland is exemplary: He has twice been a president and has been awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship by his fellow Rotarians. Directly and indirectly, he has been responsible for the introduction of over a dozen members to the club, many of whom were delighted to be present to celebrate this special occasion.

It was a super evening to honour a super gentleman. Sam is a very popular member of the Rotary Club of Narberth and Whitland and his community and it is always a pleasure and a privilege to be in his company.

Congratulations Sam. Many happy returns from us all.