STILL going strong is Ted Stonard. He recently celebrated not only his 90th birthday but also 25 years as a volunteer at Letchworth Museum and Art Gallery. In recognition of the momentous events he was awarded a special certificate by Ros Allwood, cultura

STILL going strong is Ted Stonard.

He recently celebrated not only his 90th birthday but also 25 years as a volunteer at Letchworth Museum and Art Gallery.

In recognition of the momentous events he was awarded a special certificate by Ros Allwood, cultural services manager at North Herts District Council, along with his card and candle-laden birthday cake.

A Londoner by birth, Ted moved to Stevenage in 1952 where he has lived with wife Doreen ever since.

As a young man, Ted lived through some of the most crucial events of the Second World War. Hhe was at Dunkirk and at Alamein, and was a prisoner of war in Italy and Poland.

The museum has videoed Ted talking about this wartime service to use with school parties studying the Second World War who are always fascinated by his story.

Following a career at British Aerospace, Ted saw an advertisement for volunteers at Letchworth Museum.

Having always been interested in archaeology and history, he thought he would apply and 25 years later he is still a regular. Originally coming twice a week, Ted now spends one day a week at the museum working with the catalogues and indices.

The journey by bus and a train does not put him off, and he has rarely missed a week in 25 years.

Asked why he has volunteered for so long, Ted said that it is because of his interest in history, and because over the years he has been made to feel so welcome, meeting so many nice people along the way.

Councillor Tricia Gibbs, NHDC's portfolio holder for community engagement, said: "North Herts Museums are most grateful to all their volunteers who make such a vital contribution to our museums service.

"I would particularly like to thank Mr Stonard for his many years of excellent work. He is an inspiration to us all."

www.north-herts.gov.uk