Happy Birthday, Syd!
Here is what the local paper had to say. Written by Elliot Anderton at the North Devon Gazette:
Friends and family gather for party to mark latest chapter in a remarkable life.
One of Devon’s oldest former policemen has celebrated his 100th birthday.
Sydney Stone worked in the Devon and Cornwall Police force for more than 20 years, starting in Torquay before moving to Axminster and Seaton, where he met his wife Margaret on his first day on the beat.
“I went for a walk to see what the town was like when I looked across the road and saw a lady with a girl next to her,” said Sid. “I looked at her and ‘click’, that was it. She was beautiful and I can still see that now.”
Dozens came to Cheverells Residential Home in Northam last Wednesday for Syd’s birthday party, including his three children, Christopher, Jacqueline and Josephine, and his grandchildren.
Syd, who spent time in Copplestone during the war before heading to Great Torrington, said that being able to help people was the best part of being a policeman.
He also revealed that ‘playing the game and keeping yourself fit’ was the key to him reaching the milestone birthday.
In his younger days, Syd was an excellent rower, winning every regatta race in the 1933 season.
And his retirement from the force was due to health problems picked up playing rugby for the Devonshire Constabulary.
He also worked as a security officer and in social services before retiring to Spain with Margaret.
Syd had to return to England when Margaret passed away in 1991, but his son Christopher said he’s done ‘very well’ since, in Westward Ho!, Marlborough Court in Bideford and now Cheverells.
“He’s a superb guy and he looked after us kids ever so well,” said Christopher. “He was a super copper and everybody liked him.”