‘Enjoy an occasional sherry!’ War veteran, 103, shares secret to long life

A 103-year-old Fareham care home resident has marked his birthday by giving advice for leading a long and happy life.

Second world war veteran Jeffrey Broadhurst enjoyed a very special celebration at Care UK’s Parker Meadows, on Redlands Lane, which included a surprise visit from some special guests as well as family and friends. 

The home’s team welcomed the Royal Marines Charity, who stayed for an afternoon tea prepared by the home’s Head Chef, Mike Callaway, and listened as Jeffrey passed on some of his wisdom. 

Sharing his secret to living a long and rewarding life, he said: “Enjoy the occasional sherry, shandy or light ale!”

He added that being a caring husband and father was at the core of his happiness and filled his life with joy.

Jeffrey was born in Monmouthshire and grew up in Wolverhampton. Leaving school at 14, he started his career in an office before quickly deciding to train in butchery. 

During the second world war, Jeffrey joined the Army Commandos before being transferred to the Royal Marines when 40 Commando was formed, and was active in operations in Italy, the Greek islands and Albania.

He met his wife, Dorothy, at a dance in Bournemouth in between operations. Their connection was undeniable and they married just a year later, with Jeffrey proposing via a platinum engagement ring in the post!

After the war, Jeffrey studied at an agricultural college and began working in dairy farming. He quickly climbed the ranks, becoming Farm Manager and then a partner soon after.

He and Dorothy raised two children, their son Roy and daughter Kay, who each now have their own children they regularly bring to visit Jeffrey.

Throughout his life, Jeffrey has stayed fit through sports such as water polo, swimming and football. Since moving into Parker Meadows in 2016, he has carried on his love for reading, watching sport and spending time outdoors. 

Lukasz Mikolaj Irzabek, Home Manager at Parker Meadows, said: “We were so excited to celebrate such a memorable day with Jeffrey. As a much-loved resident here, it was amazing to mark this tremendous milestone with him and hear his very good advice for living a long and happy life!

“Here at Parker Meadows, we centre everything we do around our ethos of ensuring residents lead active and fulfilling lives – and Jeffrey’s 103^rd birthday celebration was no exception.

“It was lovely to see how happy he was to be surrounded by the visitors from the Royal Marines and those closest to him on the day.”

Parker Meadows provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The home incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities in addition to independent-living bungalows on site. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge and dining room to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.