‘Everything in moderation’ for centenarian

Lawrence Torode reached the milestone on Wednesday, and has been celebrating with members of his family ahead of a party with about 100 guests this weekend.

Born in 1924 in Castel, Mr Torode grew up in a house on the Rohais, and attended Vauvert School.

His fondest memories as a youngster included spending countless days on Cobo beach during the school summer holidays.

‘It’s my favourite beach, I still go when I can,’ he said.

Sandy beaches were soon replaced by gritty northern town life however, when aged 16 he was evacuated to the UK with his siblings ahead of the Occupation in 1940.

‘My sister and I were evacuated to Bury after spending a bit of time in Bedminster near Bristol, but my two brothers were sent to Glasgow,’ he said.

‘We were split up and it was difficult not seeing them.’

While he found the adjustment to life in Bury challenging, happier times did eventually come Mr Torode’s way when he met his late wife Cissie, who was working in a factory in the town.

‘She was from Durham and had moved down to Bury. She had friends in Manchester but didn’t know anyone in Bury itself,’ he said.

‘We clicked straight away.’

The couple married in December 1944, before Mr Torode convinced his wife to move with him back to Guernsey following the end of the war in May 1945.

‘There was no problem convincing her to come,’ he said. ‘The trip back to Guernsey was the first time she had ever been on a boat.’

A subsequent 20-year stint on the island saw Mr and Mrs Torode raise their three children, Sheena, Dave and Ruth, while Mr Torode established a career in the building trade, which included running a shop for a few years at L’Islet in the 1960s.

‘My Dad was a cobbler and my uncle was a stonemason, so building was in the family,’ he said. ‘I enjoyed my career, it was different and I loved the camaraderie.’

The family relocated to the town of Billingham, near Middlesbrough, in 1965, before moving back to Guernsey in 1986, where Mr Torode has remained ever since.

He was able to enjoy football, one of his biggest passions, while in the UK, often travelling to Middlesbrough to watch matches.

He is a big Chelsea fan, and a club shirt with ‘Torode 100’ on the back was one of many presents he has received from his family.

Perhaps the most notable gift, however, is a birthday card from King Charles and Queen Camilla.

‘I was really touched to receive that,’ he said. ‘I also got one from the Bailiff and the Lt-Governor.’

A grandfather to eight, a great-grandfather to 19, and with one great-great-grandchild, Mr Torode said the secret to reaching 100 was maintaining a healthy balance in life.

‘I’ve never been a big drinker or anything like that, I’ve always done everything in moderation,’ he said.

He added that faith in God and his attendance at Vazon Elim Church for many years had also played a major part.

‘I’ve committed my life to the Lord and I think that belief has really helped me. I often pray to give thanks for my health and it seems to have served me well.’