Former rail worker celebrates 100th birthday
A former rail worker for almost 50 years celebrated his milestone 100th birthday with his favourite meal - a prime piece of sirloin steak.
Cliff Weaver from Walsall was joined by close family including his 95 year-old sister to mark the occasion at the Park Inn in West Bromwich.
The centurion was originally from Yorkshire and started off as a junior rail porter and also worked as a clerk before coming to the Birmingham with his family.
He worked in the train signal box at Marston Green and then relocated to Hamstead where he was head porter and met his wife-to-be Lily.
They got married at St Paul's Church, Golds Hill, West Bromwich in 1943 and lived at Hill Top.
The couple, who had no children, moved to Walsall more than 30 years although former school teacher Lily passed away more than six years ago aged 90.
Mr Weaver's niece Pat Geddes and nephew Bill helped to organise the celebration of his birthday on December 20 with the meal out with family. This included his 95 year-old sister Doreen.
Pat said staff at the Park Inn hotel, near West Bromwich FC, had treated Mr Weaver, who was a ticket inspector during the later stage of his working career, like a king.
This included bringing over a heater to keep him and his sister warm.
Pat, aged 70, said it had been a memorable birthday for him. "He just wanted a steak meal and he wanted us to be there," she said. "It is his favourite meal he loves a steak.
"It is fantastic to reach 100. "When we first suggested doing something he said 'what is so special.' He is very generous and you can have a conversation with him about most things."
