TOTAL RESPECT TO AN OLD DUDE
A Radical Swansea pensioner is showing coolness is not purely in the hands of the young by learning how to skateboard at the grand age of 70. At a time of life when quite a few people reach for their walking frames, Arthur Hendey just wants to get his hands on a set of wheels.
The intrepid pensioner has been inspired to roll the pavements after reading in the Post last week about Dave Cornthwaite's ambitions to skateboard across Australia next summer.
The 25-year-old from St Thomas is attempting the 5,000-mile journey to raise at least £50,000 for the Lowe Trust, Link Community Development and Sailability Australia charities.
Arthur arranged to meet up with Dave in the shadow of Swansea's War Memorial on the sea front for a lesson.
The former Morriston ice cream man, now living in Penlan, said: "I saw the article and Dave's picture in the Evening Post. He was offering lessons, so I got in touch. I wouldn't have been offended if he said I was too old but he said yes.
"If I flattered myself I would say I was the adventurous type. I trained as a boiler maker down Swansea docks but travelled around the world when I was 21.
"I'm an old bachelor but still feel young at heart. I try to keep fit by boxing at the Dojo gym in Cwmbwrla, they welcome crazy old men and encourage them.
"Hopefully other pensioners will see this and realise you are never too old.
After coming through his lesson unscathed, Arthur gave a big high-five to longboarding and to Dave's Australian adventure.
"I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I'll definitely be back. I am even thinking about getting my own board so people in Swansea can look out for the crazy pensioner on wheels," he said.
"I think Dave's project is great, the more young men there are with that kind of pioneering spirit and a generous outlook to raising money for charity, the better in my opinion.
"I won't be going to Australia with him though as I'm still a wanted man down there. They got Ned Kelly but they are still looking for me."
Dave was equally impressed with his new pupil even though he was all set for a challenge.
He said: "When Arthur contacted me I didn't have a chance to think he was mad, he told me he was mad.
"He did very well, progressing the whole way. He's been an excellent pupil. He'll have more lessons in the coming weeks and we'll get him on a board."
With almost a year to go before Dave's trip down under, he said he was more than happy to teach others as it gave momentum to his charity work.
"I'm completely happy to teach anyone who wants to get on a longboard. Arthur even donated £25 towards the fund," he said.
"The response has been very good so far and after the Post article people have been coming up to me asking about the project, and beeping their horns as they drive past me training."
To follow Dave's fund-raising adventure log on to www.boardfree.co.uk.