It’s been a week of celebrations for Walter Good, who officially turned 100 on Monday (28 September). The parties began last Tuesday with a birthday lunch hosted by the Reading branch of the Grenadier Guards, followed by a family meal at Swiss Farm on Sunday. On his actual birthday he had a surprise party at the Over 60s club and finally an afternoon tea at Beacher Hall in Reading yesterday (Tuesday) – all places that hold a special connection to Walter.
A regular in Falaise square, many people will recognise Walter as the well groomed gentleman, often proudly wearing his medals – and may well have stopped for a chat along the way – one of Walter’s favourite past times. With his prized guards tie and carved grenadier walking stick it is easy to see the lifelong affect Walter’s military career had on him. Sitting in the square has led to numerous conversations with people from around the world and surprisingly he has found a few connections from his past – although he’d love to know if any of the 24 Guardsmen he joined up with are still alive – or any that might be near his age (or no. 2670065).
But who is Walter? Cecil Walter Good was born in 1926 in Stretton Sugwas, Hereford, the son of Nellie and Leslie Good – a former police officer and WW1 Marine in the light infantry. His parents subsequently moved to Oxfordshire when his father took on a position as Head Gamekeeper for a private Estate. The youngest of 4 siblings (Bill, Doris and Iris), Walter left school and began work for Sir Robert McAlpine at Early power station. With the military in his blood, and WW2 in the offing, it’s unsurprising that all Walter’s siblings went into service – his brother Bill joined the Cornwall light infantry, his sisters were in service and when Walter was 18, he received his call up papers. For the duration of the war Walter (or Wally as he was known) served with the Coldstream Guards having trained under Corporal White.
Walter still remembers VE day on 8 May 1945. He and his fellow soldiers lined The Mall in London, then marched to Buckingham Palace, crowds behind them. He remembers King George VI, Princesses Elizabeth & Margaret and Queen Mary all coming out onto the balcony to rapturous applause and cheers. Three months later, on the 15 August they were once again on guard for VJ day and the State opening of Parliament. Walter also remembers Winston Churchill appearing on the balcony with the Royal Family, having been defeated by Labour’s Clement Attlee.
After the war, Walter met Winifred and they married on 2 December 1950. They went on to have two daughters (Teresa in 1953 and Rita in 1958) then moved from Manchester to the decidedly cleaner air of Goring Heath in 1959. Walter worked for SODC as a driver in the cleansing dept, then drove for the former Chiltern Queens bus company at Woodcote. With 2 two children, 4 grandchildren and now 7 great-grandchildren…and the associated family members, Sunday lunch at Swiss farm was enjoyed by Walter and his extended family (minus the ones in Australia).
Walter has always retained his membership with the Guards Asc., first in Manchester then Reading, and this group held the first of Walter’s birthday celebrations at The Bull in Theale. Much to his surprise and delight, Coldstream Guards HQ sent Lt. Tom Denny to make a speech and presentation to him. Walter was also a member of Hambleden Royal British Legion for years (until it was disbanded) and annually attended the Remembrance Service in St Mary’s Church there. In earlier years he would go to the Cenotaph in London and parade with the men. Walter proudly received a special RBL birthday card, signed by Richard Pinches on behalf of them all.
Walter met both The Queen and Prince Philip in 1973, at a garden party to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Coldstream Guards Asc. at Burton Court, Chelsea. The fact that both stopped to talk to him is a moment cherished by Walter still. He now has his birthday card from The King and proudly showed it off to all his friends at his party at the Over 60s club where Walter has been a regular member since about 2007 – just after he moved to Henley. The party, organised by Jackie and Rebecca, the Over 60s Club managers, was full to bursting with Walter’s friends and invited guests – including trustee Cllr. Gill Dodds who said, “We are so lucky to have not one but two centenarians at The Club. Both Walter and Gwynn are so active, they really are a fabulous example to all of us!” Entertainment was provided by singer Colette, who sang a range of songs from the 50s and 60s including some crowd pleasing Elvis and Build me up Buttercup but finishing with Congratulations and of course – Happy Birthday.
Teresa explained “The club has been a lifeline for my dad and peace of mind for us. And even better, he is now picked up by the Handy Bus, which saves him the walk. He still lives on his own in his flat in Henley – the army training put him in good stead for looking after himself!” – although Teresa and grand daughter Celia keep a close eye on him too.
Sadly Walter lost Winnie in 2003 and in 2007, Rita was moved into a care home having been debilitated by MS. Walter visited Rita almost every day for 14 years, (getting the bus to Reading and back) right up until she passed away in January 2021. The home was the final stop of Walter’s birthday tour as they hosted him for a birthday afternoon tea on Tuesday.
When asked how it felt to be 100, Walter replied “It’s no different to any other time – although my body doesn’t always do what I want it to do, but you’ve got to keep on don’t you!”
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