A celebration has been held to mark the 100th birthday of a much-loved Warminster resident.
John Wheeler was surrounded by friends and family at the celebration, held at Rye Hill Barn in Longbridge Deverill on Thursday 17th July.
People from all walks of Warminster life attended the event, including former neighbours, members of the church community and former town councillors.
Live music by Sticky Toffee Jazz provided the backdrop to the birthday party, with songs including The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra.
John’s daughter, Felicity Nurdin, helped organise the birthday bash. She said, “My amazing father is 100 and has lived such a fascinating life. He is a man who never sits still. He is very well for his 100 years and his mind is as sharp as a razor!”
John was born in 1925 at Tresco House on Boreham Road and later moved to Rye Hill on Wheelers Lane. He attended Lord Weymouth’s Grammar School and then Dauntsey’s School.
His family were local nurserymen, known for ‘Wheeler’s Imperial Cabbages’ and their seed shop in East Street.
After serving in the Second World War, John decided not to go into the family business and instead embarked on a publishing career, with roles at Great Books of the Western World and Encyclopaedia Britannica. He met his wife Marie in 1957, and the pair spent time in Bristol and London before returning to Wiltshire in 1973, when John launched his own book company.
Outside of work, he has enjoyed swimming, walking “whatever the weather” and windsurfing over the years.
Speaking at his party, John said it was an “honour” to be surrounded by so many of his loved ones.
Asked for the secret to reaching 100, John paid tribute to his late wife, Marie. He said, “I imagine it helps to have such a caring and kind wife beside me for so many years.”
He also credits his favourite foods – tinned sardines and tomatoes – as good sustenance, as well as going for walks “whatever the weather”.
Speaking at the event, David Wiltshire, a member of the Warminster History Society, said, “Everybody knows John. It’s great to see so many people here. He’s made a big impact in the town. I know John through his amazing research, he’s been in my shop [David Wiltshire Photography] a lot to photocopy documents.”
Former Warminster town councillor and church rector Dennis Brett said, “I hope John has a wonderful, glorious day – it is what he deserves.”
The youngest attendee at the party was John’s great-grandson Rafferty, who is five months old.
Felicity added, “Sadly, John’s beloved wife Marie, who he was married to for 64 years, passed away in May 2024. However, in February of this year, John became a great-grandpa, and our lovely little Rafferty came into the world. Such a shame that his great-granny never got to meet him.”
