St Ives care home resident celebrates 102nd birthday

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Nov 26, 2020

A resident at a St Ives care home and former member of the RAF was delighted to celebrate his 102^nd birthday.

William (Bill) Stevens, from Care UK’s Field Lodge, on London Road, celebrated the impressive milestone on 1^st November, and was joined by residents and team members to toast the special occasion.

Revealing the secret to living a long and happy life, Bill said “keeping active and busy” was the key.

Bill added: “I had a wonderful day and the team at Field Lodge ensured I was able to celebrate in style. There were balloons, cake and I was thrilled to be able to see my family from a distance too, this made the day even more special.”

Linda Martinez, Home Manager at Field Lodge, said: “We always like to make an occasion of birthdays, and even under current circumstances, Bill’s 102^nd birthday was no exception. It was wonderful to surprise him with a distanced visit from his family, as well as a birthday cake, presents and a toast with his Field Lodge family.”

Bill, who was born in Hendon, left school aged 14 and went on to work as a shop assistant at Sainsbury’s in Blackfriars. At the start of the Second World War, Bill joined the RAF as a physical training instructor before being accepted for flying training.

During his time in the RAF, Bill survived two plane crashes, and was one of the first pilots to complete 100 casevac flights. He was also awarded both the Distinguishing Flying Cross and the Air Force Flying Cross.

In his retirement, Bill returned to Marshall’s in Cambridge, assisting with writing pilot’s manuals, as well as taking up golf, beekeeping and bell ringing, all of which he continued to enjoy into his nineties. To celebrate his 100^th birthday, Bill’s family arranged for him to fly in Tiger Moth from Duxford, which brought back fond memories of his time in the RAF.

Bill moved into Field Lodge at the age of 101, where he enjoys spending time in the garden, taking part in the exercise activities, and keeping in touch with his friends and family.

Field Lodge is a modern purpose-built care home providing full-time residential, nursing, and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has a choice of lounges and dining rooms, along with facilities such as an activity room, cinema and hair salon.

To find out more about Field Lodge, please call Customer Relations Manager, Jo Molloy-Cruden on 01480 877638, or email johan.molloy-cruden@careuk.com

For more general information, please visit: careuk.com/field-lodge