Still volunteering at a hundred and four

Open the Book makes Bible stories interactive for primary schoolchildren across the country and even beyond these shores. Many of Open the Book's 6,000 volunteer Storytellers here in England and Wales are retired and gladly give their time to share the experience of Scripture.

One standout volunteer is John in Devon who recently celebrated his 104th birthday. Amazingly, John lives alone and still takes care of himself. He first got involved with Open the Book about eight years ago, when he was already 96. Whenever they’re at his local school, he’ll walk down and do his bit. He never misses a chance to pass on the wonderful Bible stories he first heard a hundred years ago.

Revd Jenny Francis, who leads John’s team, says the children are always eager to see him. ‘They find it hard to get their heads round how old he really is. Being born in 1919 is beyond their imagination.’ John fought in World War Two, serving in the Royal Navy. 

‘He had many scary adventures,’ Jenny says. ‘The first was when his wooden ship sank under him, putting the entire crew into the perishingly cold, dark waters of the North Sea until they were all rescued. Asked if he had been afraid, John replied, “Not at all. You just had to get on with it!”’

John recommends daily walks to anyone who’d like to be half as unstoppable as he is. Jenny recalls being amazed to see him back on his feet after a knee replacement at the age of 97, striding along as usual with only a crutch to help him.

Find out more about Open the Book and how you can get involved, sharing stories with children at your local schools.