Former Newbury station manager Alf Wells celebrated his one hundredth birthday by travelling first class to watch Chelsea FC.
Newbury station, which was recently redeveloped, is in Berkshire, and first opened in 1847.
Former players greeted Alf when he arrived at Stamford Bridge, where he received a personalised Chelsea shirt and a letter from current Chelsea men’s captain, Reece James.
Alf watched a personal video message from former manager José Mourinho, and met current Chelsea men’s manager Mauricio Pochettino when he visited the post-match press conference.
Alf worked on the railway for nearly fifty years. He began his birthday treat with banners, balloons and a warm welcome from Great Western Railway (GWR) staff at Newbury, and took a tour of the driver’s cab.
Alf’s friend and neighbour Wendy Seddon organised the trip.
Wendy befriended Alf during the Covid lockdown in 2020, and found out that he is a popular figure is in the community.
Alf starts each day with twenty squats and walks around the neighbourhood most days.
“I wanted to give him a 100th birthday to remember as a thank-you for his friendship and, as a die-hard Chelsea fan, I thought this was the perfect way to make his day and show our appreciation.
“The Great Western Railway team at Newbury station were so kind and incredibly generous to Alf. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble. He loved his first-class travel and being able to relax in the lounge at Paddington.
“Alf is still buzzing with all the excitement and memories of the day and telling everyone about it. He has definitely loved being famous for a day, as well as being totally overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness shown to him.”
Wendy Seddon
“I just can’t believe how wonderful the day was. I can’t stop thinking about it and everything that’s happened.”
Alf Wells
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