100-year-old Newbury resident Alf Wells enjoys surprise first-time trip to Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea play Burnley on March 30
A 100-year-old Newbury resident celebrated his centenary in style with a surprise trip to see his favourite football team play for the first time.
Alf Wells, who worked as a manager at Newbury Station for almost 50 years and celebrated his 100th birthday on March 25, was treated to a VIP trip to Stamford Bridge in London to watch his beloved Chelsea play Burnley in a 2-2 draw on the Easter weekend.
At the game, he was given a signed letter from Chelsea captain Reece James, met several former players who presented him with a personalised shirt, and he also had a chat with current manager Mauricio Pochettino at the post-match press conference.
He even received a happy birthday video message from his favourite Chelsea gaffer, three-time Premier League and two-time Champions League winner José Mourinho.
On the day, Mr Wells said: “This has been out of this world.
“I can’t thank everyone enough for what they have done for me, everyone has been so nice.
“I actually had a dream last night I would be spending the day at Chelsea, so I wrote it down on a piece of paper and the dream has come true.”
He arrived by taxi at the station on Saturday, March 30, before he travelled first class to London Paddington by train courtesy of Great Western Railway.
He then travelled to the West London home of Chelsea FC for the very first time to watch the match.
Before kick-off, he had a personalised 100 shirt presented to him by former players Ron Harris, Gary Chivers, John Bumstead, David Lee and Colin Pates on the Stamford Bridge sideline.
Mr Wells added: “I just can't believe how wonderful the day was.
“I can't stop thinking about it and everything that’s happened.”
The whole trip was organised by one of Mr Wells’ neighbours, Wendy Seddon.
The pair became friends during lockdown and Ms Seddon soon realised what a popular figure Mr Wells was in the Greenham community.
Ms Seddon said: “Our friendship grew during lockdown when I helped Alf with shopping.
“I wanted to give him a 100th birthday to remember, and as a lifelong Chelsea fan, there was no better way for Alf to spend it.
"Alf is still buzzing with all the excitement and memories of the day and telling everyone about it.
“He has definitely loved being famous for a day, as well as being totally overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness shown to him.”
As well as Mr Wells’ surprise Stamford Bridge trip, 60 family members, friends, neighbours and the mayor of Newbury all attended a special birthday party for him at The Plough on the Green pub on March 24.
