Second World War veteran Alec ‘Ted’ Denham was the guest of honour at Waltham Abbey’s Christmas light switch-on on Friday, November 28, where he lit up the town centre in front of cheering crowds.
Ted said: “What an honour.
“It’s not every day that you’re asked to switch on the Waltham Abbey Christmas lights.”
Now living with dementia, Ted lives at Honey Lane, a specialist dementia care home in Waltham Abbey.
He is one of just a handful of veterans still alive to have flown the Spitfires that defeated Nazi Germany’s Luftwaffe in air attacks during the Battle of Britain.
Ted joined the RAF at just 17 after lying about his age.
He wore his uniform and medals for the occasion and wished everyone a “Merry Christmas” as he flicked the switch.
The light switch-on was followed by a parade and entertainment, with special guests including Freddie Bentley from The Only Way is Essex, Father Christmas, and the Epping Brass Band.
Waltham Abbey Town mayor councillor Maria Markham said: “Having our lovely local veteran Ted switching on the Christmas lights is a highlight for me of my first term as mayor of Waltham Abbey.
“It means so much to our local constituency and residents.
“The team at Honey Lane Care Home are so very supportive and went out of their way to ensure Ted was comfortable and happy on the night.
“To see him smiling when he turned on the lights was priceless and will be such a precious memory for us all.”
Ted and his family were hosted in the Town Hall for drinks ahead of the event by councillor Markham and her son, councillor Shane Yerrell.
Cllr Yerrell said: “It was such an honour to have Ted as our guest of honour and to start the festive season.
“It made it extra special as he will be turning 100 in February.”
His daughter Tracey Evans said: “What an amazing night, we are all so proud to have watched Dad switch on the town lights.
“It was an honour for him to be asked.”
