Former RAF flight mechanic turns 100 at Ferndown care home

A former RAF flight mechanic enjoyed a party to celebrate his 100 birthday at a Ferndown care home.

Tony, who lives at Fairlawn care home, was thrilled to be joined by his family for the special occasion. This included his son, Christopher, who had flown from Denmark, and other son, Paul, who had travelled from Torquay to be their dad on his big birthday, as well as Tony’s extended family. Tony spoke to his other son, Stephen, on FaceTime who lives in Sri Lanka.

When asked what the secret is to turning 100, Tony said: “Just luck.”

At the start of Second World War, Tony was an RAF flight mechanic, which saw him travel across Europe and eventually ended up in India, where he was demobbed. After leaving the forces, he worked as a draughtsman which saw him planning and making maps.

Tony then moved to Kenya to live with his father, which is where he met his first wife, Barbara. Together they welcomed three sons before moving to Australia, where the family lived for 20 years. He went on to meet his second wife, Rosie, who already had three daughters. Tony retired in Australia in his 50s.

His son, Christopher, added: “Growing up, he was always a patient and gentle dad to my brothers and I, and then supported his second wife Rosie’s three daughters. When I think about what the secret to him reaching 100, he’s always enjoyed full fat cream and butter and he gave up smoking and alcohol around 20 or 30 years ago.”

Tina Vincent, Home Manager at Fairlawn, said: “It was wonderful to see Tony surrounded by his family for his 100 birthday. He appreciates everything we do to provide care and support to him at the home, so we were keen to make an extra special effort on his birthday. At Care South, we love to get to know the individual wishes, likes and dislikes of our residents, so we were pleased to enable Tony create lasting memories with his loved ones.”

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