Central Bedfordshire Council news and press releases

100th birthday of Captain Tom Moore

Thursday, 30 April 2020

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, was delighted to present Captain Tom Moore with a 100th birthday card from Her Majesty The Queen on 30 April 2020.

Captain Tom Moore with Helen Nellis, Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire

Following advice from Public Health England and strict social distancing measures agreed with the family and Bedfordshire Police, the Lord-Lieutenant was pleased to wish Captain Tom a very happy birthday on behalf of Her Majesty and the people of Captain Tom’s home county of Bedfordshire.

HM Lord-Lieutenant Helen Nellis said:

It was an honour to present Captain Tom Moore with his 100th birthday card from The Queen. While observing strict social distancing rules, it was a pleasure to meet this wonderful gentleman who has inspired so much generosity towards the outstanding staff of our NHS. We in Bedfordshire are incredibly proud of his contribution, which alongside the thousands of people who are working incredibly hard to keep us safe and well, demonstrate how individual acts, as well as people working together, can help us to build strong, compassionate and courageous communities.

On behalf of the people of Bedfordshire, Captain Tom was presented with a certificate showing a section of the Forest of Marston Vale, (recently accredited as part of The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy) which has been named in his honour as Captain Tom Moore’s Spinney.

An inscribed copy of The Pilgrim's Progress, written by John Bunyan, one of Bedfordshire's most famous sons, was gifted to Captain Tom as his name joins those who have written the rich story of this remarkable county. He has become a symbol of generosity, steadfastness, resilience and kindness during this difficult time.

Cranfield University will recognise Captain Tom Moore’s services to the local community and the country by awarding him an honorary degree later this year.