At his 90th birthday party, he told us a bit about his life.

He was 5 years old at the outbreak of World War 2 in 1939.

Therefore, his primary school years were the war years.

He grew up on an isolated farm with no electricity, and only candles and paraffin lamps for light.

The farm had no mains gas, no mains water and no tractor.

It was probably typical of rural life in 1930's and 1940's.

He made the point that we take so much for granted these days - heating, lighting, travel, communicating across the world, and extensive health care.

Denis is still fit. He drives a car, tows trailers and is generally as active as many people who are 30 years younger.

I asked him what was his secret of his health - he said mostly having a wonderful wife for most of his life.