by Nick Lillitos

Prime Ministers, Kings and Queens, and a Second World War have passed in the life of 91-year-old Noel McCrerie.

But the one 'constant’ is the same Aylesford house he has lived in since a boy - now totalling 83 years.

And now officials of the Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) village in Aylesford have honoured him as their longest residing tenant on the 78-home estate.

There were tea and cakes for Noel and his wife Joy, 79, when well-wishers gathered to celebrate with them at the village’s Capel Morris Centre this week.

And he was presented with a CD recording of when his father appeared on a radio game show hosted by the late Wilfred Pickles in 1956.

“Noel’s a really lovely man and so is his wife Joy, who have been very supportive to the community and the village,” said RBLI official Jane Waring.

She is putting together a website telling the history of the place.

“During my research I discovered that Noel’s father, Alexander (pictured left), was a runner on the ship commanded by Admiral Lord Jellicoe, who commanded the British Fleet in the First World War.

“In those days Alexander delivered Lord Jellicoe’s messages around the ship by hand.”

When Alexander caught TB the Admiral directed he be given a legion house for his family, and so Noel moved in at the age of nine with his two brothers who have since died.
Alexander died at the age of 89.

“He was a petty officer on the Admiral’s ship, having joined the Royal Navy at 16,” recalls Noel.

Because Noel saw service in the Second World War with the Royal Air Force he was allowed to continue living in the house he grew up in since 1929.

“Why did I stay all those years? I was trained as a plumber when I came out of the RAF and had work with local firms. So it was convenient.”

Noel’s wife Joy, who he married in 1957 after the pair met at a social club event in Ditton, added: “The house has changed a bit since I’ve been here,”

“Our three-bedroom semi has a new roof, different windows and external cladding.”

The Royal British Legion Village started after the First World War at Preston Hall.