EVEN 4,000 miles could not stand between Evelyn Jewell and her son on her 90th birthday in Swindon this week.

Evelyn was celebrating her 90th birthday alongside Stanley Burton, also 90, at Craven House in Victoria Road on Wednesday.

The pair were at the heart of celebrations arranged by Swindon Blind Association, which included the arrival of Evelyn’s son Ian, who had travelled from Colorado, USA, to be with his mum.

It was not quite the surprise people had hoped, as he had pre-arranged the trip with his mum, but it touched a few hearts nonetheless.

John Vickery, 82, chairman of the association helped organise the party, with his wife Beryl behind the various food and drink provided for revellers.

John said: “Evelyn’s son and wife came over from Colorado. He told me where they lived it was 10,000 feet above sea level and I said he only came here because our rain was warmer than their snow.”

Evelyn, a retired Post Office employee of Maysfield Avenue, and Stanley, a retired Plessey manager of Blackman Gardens, put up their own money for the food and drink at the party.

The party for the two members, who have been with the association at least 10 years each, formed part of the usual social events held on Wednesdays.

Twenty-four members attended the party, though neither Evelyn nor Stanley can claim to be the eldest associates, with a number of members over 90-years-old.

“It was a wonderful day,” said John. “There were laughs and fun all-round.

“They both seemed to enjoy themselves and were more than happy with what had been put on.

“Nobody could quite believe Ian had turned up from Colorado. It was a very impressive feat and a lovely addition to the party for his mum.

“The food seemed to go down well. Beryl rounded up our daughter and all the other helpers to put together a spread as well as two birthday cakes for them both.

“We try to put parties on where we can because it’s nice to recognise each and every one of our members’ birthdays.”