90-year-old bowls player named Thornaby shopping centre's first Older People's Ambassador

A 90-year-old bowls player from Thornaby has rolled into the role of a shopping centre’s first Older People’s Ambassador.

Great grandfather Fred Pickering will be overseeing a new series of “Silver Saver” days at Thornaby’s Pavilion Shopping Centre.

The former foundry worker, who has overcame a heart attack 13 years ago and bowel cancer in 2004, still manages to drive to his twice-weekly games at Thornaby’s indoor bowling green at the town’s leisure complex.

Now remarkably fit Fred, who also heads out on to the dance floor with wife Marie, 88, each week, has been named as the face of the centre’s Silver Savers campaign in his role as Older Person’s Ambassador.

Silver Saver Discount Days at the Pavilion Shopping Centre’s coffee shops take place on the third Thursday of every month. They entitle senior citizens to a host of offers and discounts - they just have to show their bus pass to take part.

From left: Ken Bainbridge, Dennis Stimpson, Fred Pickering, Colin Garnsey and John Shanks

Boro fan Fred believes it is his games of bowls at Thornaby that keep him active.

He said: “I took up bowling when I retired from work when I was 65 and I enjoy it, including the social side. I’ve never won much, just some little club trophies.

“I used to be very active when I was younger, a real get up and go chap. I played for the works football team and I had a season ticket at Ayresome Park. Really, though, I preferred cricket and played that when I could.”

Fred and Marie, who have just celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary, have lived in Mead Crescent, Thornaby, for more than 50 years. The couple have two daughters, three sons, seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Pavilion manager Oliver Westley said: “Fred is a great example of how to keep active and healthy - I hope I can still dance, drive and play sports when I’m 90. You can tell just from talking to Fred that he is very young in heart and mind. I think it is this positive attitude which helps him stay so fit.

“He is the perfect candidate for our role of Silver Savers Ambassador to help oversee our discount day for senior citizens. They will be treated to a range of fantastic offers and discounts each month, plus there’s the chance to chat to others and make new friends or catch up with old acquaintances.”

The next event is on March 19. Stores taking part include Boots, Roman Originals, Cooplands Bakery, Iceland, TD Morton Opticians, Roberts Family Butchers and Tees Active.