A FORMER blacksmith, renowned for making some of the famous White Helmet motorcycle display team’s equipment, has celebrated his 100th birthday.
Ronnie Peddelty marked the milestone with family and friends during a party at his Evenwood home on Thursday, April 11.
Born in the village in 1924, his first job was as a delivery boy at Sam Vasey’s grocery shop.
Brian Carter, from Evenwood and District History Society said: “Ronnie’s next employment was as a blacksmith and when war broke out in 1939 he was a farrier at the pit. At the time this was reserved employment.”
Mr Peddelty married Elizabeth Chapman in Cockfield on November 10, 1945, and went on to have a family of Patricia, Joan, John, Brian and Michael. After the pit closure he moved on to the Randolph coke ovens and upon its closure worked at Catterick for the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).
Mr Carter said: “One of Ronnie’s claims to fame is that he made some of the equipment for the White Helmet display team.”
Along with a passion for gardening, Mr Peddelty was a successful cricketer, playing for the village team for a number of years, and was also a member of the pigeon society.
Mr Carter said: “Until recently every week you would see Ronnie down the street, ram-rod straight, going to the Post Office for his pension.”
The centenarian was pleased to receive a birthday card from King Charles just ahead of the big day.
A second party was held to celebrate his birthday at Evenwood Workingman’s Club on Saturday, which was attended by immediate family and relatives, many of whom had travelled from other parts of the country.
