THERE has been a double celebration for one of the UK's oldest volunteers who has been helping out at a Worcestershire National Trust venue for decades.
Malcom Walford started working at the Croome Estate Trust 70 years ago, the same week as his 20th birthday.
Now he has been celebrating his 90th birthday and 70 years at Croome with a big party.
Malcolm devoted his life to working at the estate before it was taken over by the National Trust.
He was originally employed as a labourer at the 18th century house and gardens two months after Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953.
When he retired he rejoined as a volunteer and now greets visitors and leads tours of the palatial grounds.
Last Friday, (August 25), Malcolm celebrated his 90th birthday when staff threw him a garden party in the grounds of his beloved Croome Estate.
Despite his years the sprightly pensioner still works at the church in the grounds two days a week, and he says he has no plans to retire.
He said: "I want to talk to people, that's been my job.
"It's just Croome, it's where I grew up and it's taken over my life. It took over my family life.
“As long as I've got breath in my body, I shall be here at Croome.
"My dad said, years and years ago, 'there's something special about Croome' and there is.
"This is home to me. It's wonderful to see children here on National Trust property enjoying themselves."
Malcolm has outlived two of the owners of Croome, the Earls of Coventry, and said he expected to be buried on the estate when he died.
He added: "I have a plot in the churchyard and when my time comes, that's where I'm going to be.”
The house and parkland at Croome had been in the Coventry family since 1592.
In 1996 the National Trust acquired the property and began restoration of the Capability Brown designed parkland and opened it to the public.
Malcom eventually retired from his role with the Croome Estate Trust but joined the National Trust as a volunteer.
He has even written a book about his time at Croome, the profits from the sales of the book are passed on to fund vital conservation work on site.
Michelle Fullard, general manager of South Worcestershire National Trust, said: “Malcom is a true friend of Croome’s.
“His long service to this beautiful and special place is testament to his loyalty and to the spirit of Croome. We’re also glad to be a friend to him.”
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