Brexit 'a total mess' says England's oldest man sharing 111th birthday with Scot

Britain’s oldest men both turned 111-years-old on 29 March – the same day the country was originally due to leave the EU - but as they celebrate a happy birthday, one has called Brexit “a total mess”.

England’s and Scotland’s oldest men

England’s oldest man Bob Weighton and Scotland’s oldest man Alf Smith have lived through two world wars, seen governments and prime ministers come and go but both remain strong and stable enough to celebrate their 111th birthdays.

The two supercentenarians share the top accolade of being Britain’s oldest man, as it is not known exactly what time they were both born.

When asked about Brexit, Bob Weighton who lives in Alton in Hampshire says “I think about it but I think it’s a total mess, I don’t know what’s going to happen."

On his 109th birthday, he expressed annoyance that his birthday was happening on the same day that Brexit was triggered.

He said he was not happy with all of the EU's decisions but felt quitting was a "mistake" and did not think Prime Minister Theresa May's signing of Article 50, was the right move.

"My own feeling is that if there were defects, and there were quite obviously defects, we can negotiate on the inside rather than walking off the field with the cricket ball and saying 'I'm not playing'."

'I feel he's a twin brother'

Alf Smith lives at home in St Madoes, Perthshire. He emigrated to Canada in 1927 but returned after five years and went on to drive lorries.

During the Second World War, he was in the Home Guard. He got married worked on a farm where they raised two children. His wife died over 15 years ago and his son Allan died in 2016.

Although the Scot’s views on Brexit are not known, Mr Smith says his secret to longevity, is some porridge and having a job you enjoy.

While the UK may be split over whether they want to leave or remain in the EU, there is no competition between the two men who are jointly the oldest men in Britain.

The pair are Britain’s oldest penpals as they exchange birthday cards every year.

Bob Weighton and Alf Smith make sure they exchange a phone call every March 29 asking after each other's health but they have never met.

Mr Weighton said of Alf: "It's very special, yes". "I feel he's a twin brother although technically he's not.”

This year, Mr Weighton wrote to Mr Smith and his daughter Irene Noble: “One more year goes by and I hope you are both well and able to enjoy the celebrations.

“Do keep in touch, I wish we had known about each other earlier” he added before signing off: “We did it”.

Bob Weighton has no less than 25 great-grandchildren. He celebrated his birthday with friends and fellow residents at Brendoncare Alton, a charity which runs 10 care homes and ‘close care’ facilities.

Mr Weighton lives in one of the charity's 46 privately-bought flats and has just launched a book of poems. The proceeds from his book sales will go to charities working with the elderly in Alton. Mr Weighton decided to recite some of his poems during his birthday party.

The 111-year-old is often seen out in Alton (where he has lived since 1969) taking a daily walk to the shops. He is a keen environmentalist, writes a monthly article and gives presentations to community groups and school children about his life and environmental issues.

Bob Weighton said, “I am very lucky to have been healthy and active throughout my life. I enjoy social activities and like to get outside every day. I have a shed in the garden at Brendoncare where I enjoy making toys and children’s furniture.”

Secrets to long life: Porridge and 'avoid dying'

Mr Weighton was born on 29 March 1908 in Hull, Yorkshire. In 1933 he decided to volunteer to teach English in Taiwan and spent almost two months on board a ship to Taiwan. He spent two years learning Japanese and taught English in a school before marrying.

When news about the Second World War arrived in 1939, he decided to leave for England but had to divert to Canada when war broke out. Mr Weighton returned to England in 1946 with his family and became a lecturer in mechanical engineering until his retirement.

He says there is no secret to his longevity and his only secret is "to avoid dying".

During WW2, Mr Weighton worked with the British Government, first inspecting aircraft engines for delivery to the RAF and then translating enemy broadcasts.

Carehome.co.uk previously interviewed Bob Weighton to gather his thoughts about life and filmed him taking his first ever selfie.

Mr Weighton has this advice for everyone, which British politicians could do well to take on board.

“It is far better to make a friend out of a possible enemy than it is to make an enemy out of a possible friend. This is something I have lived by throughout my life.”