"Dream come true" as Lord Mayor is to join 100th birthday celebrations for Portsmouth veteran
Lord Mayor to attend 100th birthday party of Portsmouth veteran Bill Meek, marking a milestone in his life and the city's centenary
A Portsmouth veteran will have a lifelong dream fulfilled at his 100th birthday party with the presence of a special guest, the Lord Mayor of the city.
Albert William Meek, known to family and friends as Bill, will celebrate his 100th birthday on 10 August 2026, and has always wanted to meet the Lord Mayor, with Councillor Abdul Kadir currently fulfilling that role.
His milestone birthday falls in the same year as his city’s centenary, and his family are delighted that this will make his celebrations even more special “during this important year in the city’s history,” said his daughter Julie Freegard.
Mr Meek was born in Portsmouth in 1926, and served with the Paratroopers after the Second World War, travelling the world as part of his military service.
After leaving the Army, he worked for more than 25 years at Portsmouth Dockyard.
Mr Meek was widowed over twenty years ago but continues to live independently in his council house, where he cooks, cleans and looks after himself without assistance. He continues to keep up to date with technology and still keeps in regular contact with his family by sending text messages on his iPhone.
“Reaching 100 years old is a remarkable achievement, and we are delighted to be celebrating this special occasion with family, friends and members of the Portsmouth community,” said Ms Freegard.
“We are especially pleased that the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth will be joining us to mark Dad’s centenary.”
Local artist Karl Rudziak will also be attending the party as part of the Portsmouth 100 Portraits project to sketch Mr Avery.
Mr Meek’s birthday party will take place at The John Jacques pub in Fratton on 10 August from 11am, and all are welcome to attend the celebrations.