It isn’t every day that the future and the past get to meet on national television.
When his wife of 72 years passed away six years ago, Peter Davies admits he felt like “a lost soul.” The 100-year-old World War II veteran from Macclesfield, England struggled to find meaning in his life, so when his daughter suggested he offer his help at the local elementary school, he decided to go for it.
“I was married for 72 years, and when my wife died, life changed dramatically,” Peter explained. “My daughter suggested that, to get some structure back into my life, I do something I’m capable of doing — because I’m not very ambulatory, I can’t walk and run about these days, but I’ve still got my marbles.”
Peter uses those marbles to volunteer at Dean Valley Primary School, Bollington, and he is a huge hit with all of the children he tutors. He makes reading into a fun game, and his new status as a grandfatherly figure makes him feel more connected to his community than ever before.
“The kids are great; they are like sponges,” said Peter. “I’m sure I get more out of it than the children do. It is a lovely, warm feeling [that] I belong. I’m not this old man who lives on his own. I’m part of the community, which is great. Plus my street cred is tremendous because I’ll be going anywhere in the village and a child will shout out ‘Hello Mr. Davies,’ and I feel 10 feet tall.”
In 2023, Peter received an incredible honor due to his years of volunteering when he was named as the oldest person on the King’s New Year’s Honours List. In February, he will receive a British Empire Medal (BEM) from King Charles III Himself!
Now, instead of being just a local celebrity, Peter is a national celebrity. He recently appeared on television with the youngest recipient of the BEM, 18-year-old author and environmentalist Dara McAnulty.
“He is the future, I am the past,” Peter said of Dara. “It’s just simple as that, it really is. I’m delighted for him.”
A wonderful inter generational moment between myself, the youngest person on this year’s Honours List and Peter Davies, who is the oldest. This conversation was such an honour to have. Thank you @BBCBreakfast for joining us together this morning ✨
– Dara McAnulty (@NaturalistDara) January 1, 2023
pic.twitter.com/p9vudyLc5R
Peter insists he’s just a regular guy who was looking to stay busy, but we know a true champion of education when we see one! Instilling a love for reading in today’s youth isn’t easy, especially with all of the technology available at their fingertips, but this centenarian makes it look easy.
Share this story to congratulate Peter for his record-setting award.
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.