Islander Bill Smith is celebrating his 104th birthday today (Thursday) with the release of a film about his extraordinary life and his connection to the ocean.
Bill has spent more than 50 years swimming in the sea off the Isle of Wight, something he firmly believes has contributed to his long and happy life.
The film, which explores the changes Bill has seen in British seas during his lifetime, was made by Blue Marine Foundation as part of the Solent Seascape Project – a multi-million-pound initiative to restore nature to the Solent’s waters.
Speaking about the film, Bill has said:
“I enjoyed making the film, very worthwhile. I’m looking forward to showing the film to my friends and family to show them that I can still do things – they think I’m getting old!”
During the film, Bill speaks about how, in recent times, his daily swim has been confined to an indoor pool as he worries about how pollution in the Solent’s waters might now affect his health. He also regales the viewer with tales from his past as a chef, during a time when fish like turbot and halibut bought at market were ‘as tall as a man’ – specimens seen no longer…
But Bill firmly believes that the sea can bounce back, and huge fish and clean water could be seen once more – some of the issues that the Solent Seascape Project is addressing.
Louise MacCallum, Solent Project Manager for Blue Marine, says:
“Restoring the intricate marine habitats in the Solent is so important not just for marine animals and plants that live here, but also for the health and wellbeing of the people and communities who call this beautiful seascape home.”
Happy Birthday Bill, 104 years young.
Congratulations
Very happy birthday to you Bill, actually very incredible in this day and age.
I bet you didn’t vote Labour who are destroying our country.