MUSIC and humour are the two ingredients that lead to a long and happy life, according to Luton grandfather Ken Hone.
And he should know - he celebrates his 90th birthday tomorrow (January 26).
The Luton Male Voice Choir musical director and his wife Maureen, 73, were guests of honour at a special dinner on Saturday and are looking forward to a family get-together this weekend.
Ken started the choir in 1992 and describes fellow members as “a bunch of friends who like to sing.”
It’s obvious age hasn’t dimmed his love of music or his impish sense of humour, a trait he claims he inherited from his father.
“My dad could tell the same story 55 times and you’d laugh at a different bit every time,” he said.
He and Maureen have a good giggle every day and enjoy watching rugby and cricket together.
Ken – who started playing the cornet at the tender age of eight and recently received a Luton Forum Lifetime Achievement award – complains he’s not as agile as he once was but cheerfully admits he has no intention of retiring. “You’ve got to make the most of what you’ve got and I’m a very satisfied bloke,” he said.
“I don’t like people who bear animosity,” he added. “Have a stand-up row and say what you want to say.”
Then he quipped; “Here’s to those who wish us well – the rest can go to . . . Llanelli.”