Former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman has been named the 2024 Oldie of the Year by The Oldie magazine. The accolade recognises the enduring vibrancy of the 87-year-old, who recently released his childhood memoir, Billy in the Wars. Reflecting on his legacy, Wyman said, “Maybe the whole war experience changed my perspective on life, but to me, it’s all about enjoying the important things, like nature, history, and family.”
The awards ceremony, held at the National Liberal Club, celebrated a host of remarkable individuals. Hosting the event was broadcaster and writer Gyles Brandreth, who presented honours to winners from diverse fields.
Among the honourees were Stepford Wives actress Nanette Newman and her son-in-law John Standing, who were jointly named Oldie In-Laws of the Year. Both aged 90, they share a unique family connection through Newman’s daughter, Sarah Forbes, whose late father was acclaimed British film director Bryan Forbes.
The Silver Screen Golden Oldie award was given to celebrated filmmaker Mike Leigh, 81, in recognition of his illustrious career. Known for cinematic gems such as Abigail’s Party and Mr Turner, Leigh’s enduring contributions to film were hailed as a triumph of British creativity.
Meanwhile, Daily Mail cartoonist “Mac” (Stanley McMurtry), 88, received the Lead-in-his-Pencil award. His pandemic-era illustration of a police car chasing the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse with the line “Oy! Two metres apart!” was cited as a standout example of his sharp wit.
The ceremony also celebrated extraordinary feats of longevity and bravery. Christian Lamb, 104, a wartime mapmaker who contributed to the planning of the D-Day landings, was honoured as the Oldie D-Day Mastermind. Lamb’s meticulous work provided crucial guidance for landing craft crews during the pivotal operation in Normandy.
In a daring display of sky-high adventure, 102-year-old Manette Baillie, a former wartime Wren, was named the Oldie Flying Angel. Baillie marked her century milestone by making her first-ever parachute jump from 7,000 feet over Beccles Airfield, Suffolk.
The Oldie awards celebrate the achievements and resilience of those in their later years. Wyman, the headline honouree, embodies the ethos of the event, proving that creativity and vitality are timeless. The recipients, drawn from diverse walks of life, shared a common message of inspiring defiance against the constraints of age.
The evening ended with Brandreth remarking on the remarkable lives represented. “In a world obsessed with youth, today’s winners show us that the best stories and achievements come with age,” he said. Full details of the winners can be found now at www.theoldie.co.uk
