Not many 86 year olds have their own fan page on Facebook, but lifelong Hillsborough resident Walter Holland is no ordinary pensioner.
Walter is known to generations of Sheffield locals as the kindly uncle they never had, famous for his happy-go-lucky nature and always with a surprise gift for everyone he meets, from sweets and chocolate biscuits to conkers and paper aeroplanes.
And this week the man who can probably count his friends in thousands, was honoured with a party attended by his closest friends, family and neighbours at Loxley Court in Sheffield.
The 80-flat housing scheme is owned by Guinness Northern Counties with personal support to residents provided by Guinness Care & Support. It has been Walter’s home since 2004 and scheme manager Janet Shipman felt it was time to celebrate the happiness that Walter has brought to so many local people down the years.
“Walter is something of a legend in this part of Sheffield” said Janet, “and living proof that ordinary people can make a huge difference in their community just by being kind and open-hearted to strangers.”
“Most people around here have nothing but the fondest of memories of him from their childhood. He was the kindly gentleman who they all loved to chat to, always ready with a song or a joke and with treats in every pocket. It’s hard to imagine someone like Walter being accepted in the same way nowadays but he’s a complete one-off, a true legend and just a very kind and gentle man who loves people.”
Walter was presented with a box of chocolates and a lucky bag, one of his favourite treats, by Brian Hamlin, Community Investment Manager for Guinness Northern Counties, who has his own memories of Walter as a youngster. “I grew up in this part of Sheffield and I clearly remember Walter giving me paper aeroplanes. He was building communities long before we started and he’s a credit to the people of this area.”
The celebration event provided food and drink for all, plus a bouncy castle and George Formby tribute, laid on to keep all ages entertained.