Britain’s oldest man made his first visit to London yesterday at the age of 101. Mr John Evans, who spent 60 years working as a miner in South Wales, had never found the time or money to make the trip from his home in Forest–fach, near Swansea. “There was a trip to the White City, but it was ten shillings’ return from Swansea—too much I thought. All my money went to the family then,” he said. But when British Rail offered him an all–expense–paid birthday gift to the capital, he just could not refuse.
He arrived at Paddington Station in his best suit, favorite Panama hat and a red rose in his buttonhole. “It’s very exciting. There’s no doubt about it,” he said.
Until yesterday he had never been far from home. “But I’ve been on the seas to that faraway land called Fracombe 21 miles from home,” he joked. During the next two days Mr Evans will be taken on a short tour of London to see the sights. Top of his list is a visit to the House of Parliament.
The only arrangement he does not like is the wheelchair provided for him if he gets tired. “I don’t like the chair—people will think I am getting old,” he said. His secret for a long and healthy life has been well publicized—no wine, no tobacco and no anger.
Before setting off from Swansea with his 76–year–old son, he said jokingly, “I’m glad to see they’ve given me a return ticket.”
Mr. Evans didn’t go to see the world because he .
A.had already been on the seas to Fracombe | B.was too busy to go too far away from home |
C.couldn’t afford both the time and money | D.believed “East or west, home is the best” |
Mr Evans didn’t like the wheelchair because .
A.he was not used to traveling in it |
B.the wheelchair was not easy to operate |
C.he preferred walking to sitting in it at home |
D.he thought he was still young enough to manage the trip |
The probable explanation to Mr Evans’ long life lies in .
A.his good living habits | B.his hard working for the family |
C.his sticking to his hometown | D.his living conditions near the Swansea |