John’s 100 birthday celebrations in Clevedon
World War II airman John, who lives in a McCarthy Stone Retirement Living development in Clevedon, celebrated his 100th birthday with two parties.
“I feel very fortunate”
John had his 100th Birthday on Boxing Day and celebrated in style with two parties – the first with his family and friends at a local hotel, and the second with friends and neighbours in the shared lounge at Coleridge Court, one of our retirement living communities in the lovely Victorian seaside town of Clevedon, Somerset. When asked how he felt about his centenary, John said: “I feel very fortunate that I still enjoy good health and am able to get out and about.”
Born and educated in Edinburgh, John was called up for national service with the Royal Air Force in 1943 and trained as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. He then moved to and served with Coastal Command Air/Sea Rescue until he was demobilised in 1946.
After leaving the military, John married and started a career in the Civil Service at the Post Office Savings Bank, first in Harrogate, North Yorkshire and subsequently in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire. He, his wife, and two sons moved to Glasgow in 1966 following the separation of the Savings Bank from the Post Office. John worked on the setting up of a new headquarters for what is now known as National Savings & Investments (NS&I) which led to a very special meeting.
John says, “In 1970 I was presented to Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to the headquarters of the new Department.”
In 1978, he returned to Lytham St Annes, before finally retiring from the Civil Service in 1984 and moving to Clevedon to be nearer his sons.
Loving life at his retirement home in Somerset
Talking about how he keeps active, John explains, “I start each day with a fixed goal, such as a long walk or going to church, and I love completing jigsaws. I’ve also made new friends and started new activities since moving to Coleridge Court in 2022.”
John’s secret to a long life is “Make a decision to do things and carry them out and do what you can to help the less fortunate.”
And what about the most important invention John has seen in his lifetime? “Must be the medical advances we’ve seen. But recently the “smartphone”. I don’t have one, my brain doesn’t work quickly enough to cope!”
John’s final words of wisdom for younger people? “Make an honest assessment of your skills and work in a job where you think you can succeed. And be content–—it might not initially be too financially rewarding, but it will pay off in the end.”
Celebrate the important milestones at a retirement development near you
Whether you choose an independent living apartment with Retirement Living or opt for the added services of Retirement Living PLUS, our welcoming retirement communities host a range of informal gatherings, fitness clubs and charity fundraisers as well as very special parties.
Learn more about our retirement homes near you, call our friendly team on 0800 201 4811 or contact us online for more information.
