This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-35462515

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Ashbourne Shrovetide Football: D-Day veteran to start game Ashbourne Shrovetide Football: D-Day veteran to start game
(35 minutes later)
A D-Day veteran has been chosen to "turn up" the ball at a centuries-old sports event on his 100th birthday.A D-Day veteran has been chosen to "turn up" the ball at a centuries-old sports event on his 100th birthday.
Bill Millward, from Ashbourne, Derbyshire, will start the scrum on 10 February, the second day of the Royal Shrovetide Football. Bill Milward, from Ashbourne, Derbyshire, will start the scrum on 10 February, the second day of the Royal Shrovetide Football.
Speaking about the honour, he said he first competed in the game in his home town when he was nine or 10.Speaking about the honour, he said he first competed in the game in his home town when he was nine or 10.
Mr Millward will join the likes of the Prince of Wales and Sir Stanley Matthews in "tipping up" the ball. Mr Milward will join the likes of the Prince of Wales and Sir Stanley Matthews in "tipping up" the ball.
Updates on this story and more from DerbyshireUpdates on this story and more from Derbyshire
"I think it's a great honour, I was right excited when they told me," he said."I think it's a great honour, I was right excited when they told me," he said.
"I think that's what did it, it being my 100th birthday"."I think that's what did it, it being my 100th birthday".
Mr Millward, 99, took part in the ritual right up until the outbreak of the World War Two. Mr Milward, 99, took part in the ritual right up until the outbreak of the World War Two.
He drove an amphibious vehicle during the Normandy landings, carrying supplies to troops.He drove an amphibious vehicle during the Normandy landings, carrying supplies to troops.
He was awarded the rank of Chevalier in the Legion d'Honneur last year for his contributions on D-Day.He was awarded the rank of Chevalier in the Legion d'Honneur last year for his contributions on D-Day.
What is Royal Shrovetide Football?What is Royal Shrovetide Football?
Mr Millward said he tried to start up a game of Shrovetide Football while he was posted in Italy during the war, but troops were mystified by it. Mr Milward said he tried to start up a game of Shrovetide Football while he was posted in Italy during the war, but troops were mystified by it.
He is now focused on his responsibilities on the day.He is now focused on his responsibilities on the day.
"I have to give a speech - I've never given a speech before," he said."I have to give a speech - I've never given a speech before," he said.
"I've got it in my mind what I would like to say, 'my Lords, Ladies and Gentleman', that sort of thing'.""I've got it in my mind what I would like to say, 'my Lords, Ladies and Gentleman', that sort of thing'."
Famous people who have 'turned-up' the ball:Famous people who have 'turned-up' the ball:
Despite looking forward to the experience, Mr Millward said he thought someone might throw something at him if he decided to start the game with "down with it" because of his Down'Ard allegiance. Despite looking forward to the experience, Mr Milward said he thought someone might throw something at him if he decided to start the game with "down with it" because of his Down'Ard allegiance.