Sarisbury Green war veteran turns 101 alongside special guests

A resident at a care home in Sarisbury Green has enjoyed a surprise visit from his former military branch to mark his 101st birthday.

Second world war veteran Ray Parsley celebrated the next milestone of his centenarian status at Care UK’s Ancasta Grove, on Barnes Lane, alongside friends and family.

The home’s team pulled out all the stops. Along with a 101-shaped cake prepared by the home’s talented Head Chef, Tibu Suli, they filled the care home with banners and balloons and welcomed members of the RAF to honour Ray's time in service. 

Ray said: ““I’ve been lucky to see 101 years, but this birthday felt special. To celebrate with RAF officers, my family, my friends – and alongside a fellow resident who also served – meant a great deal to me. It’s moments like this that remind me how proud I am, and how strong the bonds of service and friendship really are.”

Ray was raised in Barnstaple and at 22 joined the RAF as a mechanic before meeting his wife of 70 years, Eleanor. 

The couple married in 1948 and raised two children, Christopher and Robert, who went on to welcome five grandchildren into the world, who regularly visit Ray at Ancasta Grove. Over their time together, Ray and Eleanor lived in Manchester, Exeter, Horley, Worthing and Warsash. 

After leaving the RAF, Ray had a long career as a mechanic, starting off as an apprentice and climbing the ladder to become a regional manager for more than 1,700 garages.

Throughout his life, Ray has always held a passion for art, concentrating predominantly on drawing. Since moving to Ancasta Grove, he has taken the opportunity to share this love by teaching students at Sarisbury Infant School.

Whether it be running for Manchester Athletic Club, taking part in a rugby league or union match or swimming once a week up to the age of 80, Ray is adamant that staying fit and healthy is what has helped him reach his impressive age. 

Sharing advice on how to lead a long and healthy life, Ray said: “I have kept fit all my life. Never drink or smoke!”

Audrey Chiduku, Home Manager at Ancasta Grove, said: “Ray is a much-loved resident here, often visiting the friends he has made across the home. He has lived a truly colourful life and we were excited to organise a celebration to honour his centenarian status.

“Having the RAF join us was an extra-special touch, as we find it important to provide personalised experiences for the residents. We thank those who joined us and made his birthday a brilliant occasion. 

“It was a day of honouring all of Ray’s many achievements and one we will not forget for a long time to come. A very happy birthday, Ray!”  

Ancasta Grove has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives. The home provides residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, and is proud to be able to offer a ‘home for life’ if an individual’s needs change over time.