Former Spitfire pilot urges older people to get online for Jubilee

Buy photos » Eric Carter is the oldest man to have taken part in the Diamond Jubilee Time Capsule scheme. s

A CHADDESLEY Corbett man, who flew Spitfires in World War II and discovered the Worldwide web in his 80s, wants other residents to record their memories online as part of the online Diamond Jubilee Time Capsule project.

Eric Carter, 92, who played a pivotal role in the conflict, is the oldest resident to take part in the scheme, which is sponsored by National Express and encorages people to submit their memories of HM The Queen’s 60 years as Head of the Commonwealth.

Memories will be collected for each day of Her Majesty’s reign, with the top 60 being presented to The Queen herself.

And, when Eric recorded his wartime heroics, the story was read around the World and led to him being contacted by the fiancee of a comrade who was killed in the war. She now lives in Australia and, after tracking down Eric, it led to them meeting up and talking about what had happened to them both since 1941.

Eric said when he heard about the Diamond Jubilee Time Capsule, he wanted to be involved in the project.

"We have all led interesting lives in our own way and it’s important to record memories before they are lost forever.

"This project is a unique and special way to honour our Queen’s loyal service and I hope as many people as possible get involved."

And he urged those older people who did not have Internet access to go down to their local library, where they could be taught how to use computers and the Worldwide web, as well as get Internet access.

For more on the project, visit www.jubileetimecapsule.org www.nationalexpress.com/jubilee

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