IT’S been a busy week for Washington’s newest centenarian Tom Davidson!
Mr Davidson, who lives in Albany, has been celebrating his 100th birthday with friends from across the town – and all made easier thanks to his local Specsavers store. 
A customer of the store since 2021, staff helped him get ready for the landmark event with audiology support – and then presented him with some special gifts.
The team at the Galleries store presented him with a bottle of red wine – his favourite tipple – along with an engraved glass, a farthing keepsake coin and a personalized birthday card.
Born in 1923, Tom is a World War Two veteran who served in the RAF and a former college lecturer in engineering.
The dad-of-three is massive football fan and an active member in the local community, recently completing a sponsored walk with his 50-year-old grandson and 18-year-old great granddaughter.
He recently moved to Albany’s Holly House Care Home after being a long-standing resident at the nearby Blencathra development.
To mark his birthday, Tom enjoyed a number of different celebration events, including an afternoon with his former neighbours at Blencathra where he was treated to music from Washington Village u3a ukelele band.
He also enjoyed celebrating with Specsavers team, who have been invaluable in helping him with his hearing. 
“The team at Specsavers in Washington has gone above and beyond for my dad over the last couple of years,” explained his daughter, Moira Shaw.
“He’s had some trouble with his hearing, but they managed to syringe his ears and get him ready for his 100th birthday.
“We really appreciate what they’ve done for him and for the kind birthday gifts he received.”
Helen Elliott, audiology director of Specsavers Washington store added: “Mr Davidson is a fantastic man and we always look forward to his visits. He is such a breath of fresh air and has a brilliant outlook on life.
“We were pleased to be able to play a small part in marking his 100th birthday – a terrific achievement for a remarkable person.”
*Main and ukelele images: Washington Way
*Specsavers Image: Specsavers
