Leslie Gilbert, 99 Years Young

Today at Hatherleigh Nursing Home, we tell the story of Leslie Gilbert, a family member (resident) living here, who recently celebrated his 99th birthday. A lifelong farmer, devoted preacher and family man, here we share with you 99 years of a life full of love for the land he worked, the faith that guided him, and the people he holds dear.

Early Life in a Farming Family

On the 30th of March, 1926, Leslie Gilbert was born in Lower Stowford, Halwill, West Devon, where he grew up with his parents and two younger sisters. The Gilbert’s were a farming family, later moving to Petrockstowe in 1930, where they rented a large mixed farm from the Clinton Estate. His father, a First World War veteran, returned from service to continue working the land. Leslie attended school in Peters Marland, Petrockstowe, and Hatherleigh, before leaving at age 14 to work on the family farm. Days were filled with the routines of rural life, milking cows, tending sheep, and looking after pigs and poultry. By 17, he had also become a local preacher for the Methodist Church, a role that would take him across the country and remain a core part of his identity for the rest of his life.

Feeding the Nation

By the time Leslie turned 18, the Second World War was well underway. Initially called to work in the mines, he was later deemed essential to the war effort at home, so he continued farming to help feed the nation in a time of crisis. Leslie took particular pride and interest in raising Large White pigs, often which were sold at the Smithfield Market in London, and he won many trophies for best bacon carcass over the years. Around this time, he joined the Young Farmers and developed a keen interest in livestock judging and public speaking. He later served as chairman of the local NFU branch, becoming a well-known and active presence in the agricultural community.

Growing the Farm & Family

In 1955, Leslie married his first wife, Olive, who had a passion for horses and took part in local shows and hunts, whilst Leslie preferred shooting, often returning home with pheasants or rabbits. Together they worked hard to build up the farm and after Leslie’s parents retired, they were able to purchase it from the Clinton Estate. The farmhouse itself holds historical significance, with its roots tracing back to the Domesday Book of 1086! Life on the farm soon grew busier, as Leslie and Olive had three sons and one daughter together, Geoffrey, Marilyn, Michael and Kenneth. All four children grew up with a love for horses and were actively involved in farm life from an early age, Leslie loved spending time with them, especially after work by sharing stories and hearing about their day.

Loss and New Joy

In the year of 1989, tragedy struck the family, as Leslie’s wife and mother to his children, Olive, sadly passed away. Leslie was left devastated by this loss and found support through his son, Michael, who was now aged 24 and worked on the farm. By 1991, two of the children had now got married and grandchildren soon followed, this brought him great joy again and occupied him once more.

70 Years of Faith & New Beginnings

Leslie’s connection to the church and wider community remained constant throughout his life. He served as an ambassador for the Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust and was later honoured with a certificate recognising 70 years of service. Alongside preaching and with a strong bass singing voice, he was invited to join a local choir by a friend, where he thoroughly enjoyed performing in different churches and chapels. A few years later, it was there that a friend introduced him to Lucy, his future second wife.

Lucy & Moving to Hatherleigh

The couple fell in love and married in 1995. In his wedding speech, Leslie humorously remarked that he had “always fancied her”. Following their wedding, Leslie made the decision to leave the farm and move to the town of Hatherleigh. Whilst town life came as a bit of a culture shock at first, he quickly adapted and became a part of the community. Lucy already had three children of her own and Leslie was delighted to welcome them into his life, adding three stepchildren and six grandchildren into the ever growing family—he loved regular visits from the abundance of grandchildren!

Three Decades & an Ever Growing Family

Leslie and Lucy are still happily married and recently celebrated 30 years together. Over the past three decades, they’ve enjoyed travelling as a couple, as they visited Tasmania and Perth in Australia to visit family over the years. Lucy recalls, “Les was pleased the Tasmanian clotted cream tasted just like Devon’s!” A trip to Bangkok, Thailand followed which was “An exciting yet chaotic experience at times!”. The family continues to grow—Leslie is now a proud great-grandfather to four, with another expected in the summer. Leslie enjoys staying in touch with his grandchildren online who live in Australia, especially when they show him stick, insects lizards and snakes.

Life at Hatherleigh Nursing Home

Now living at Hatherleigh Nursing Home, Leslie is recognised for shaping his community through the generations, by supporting the war effort, being a strong voice in the agricultural community and his presence in the church. He’s supported to live a continuation of life, one that reflects his family values and lifelong passions. Lucy visits the home most days and often takes part in events and activities alongside Leslie. He enjoys participating in animal therapy visits, joining in the home’s regular church services and performances from the local choir, reading farming books and spending time in the garden. But most of all, Leslie treasures his time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his Lucy.

The team at the nursing home in Okehampton, Devon, organised an afternoon tea-style party to celebrate Leslie’s 99th birthday. The room was decorated with balloons and personalised banners, along with a homemade spread that was thoughtfully prepared by the team, laid out to create a warm and welcoming space for Leslie and his loved ones to enjoy. As part of the celebration, a member of his family gave a reading, reflecting Leslie’s faith and the importance it continues to hold in his life. As we celebrate this special day with him, he continues to be surrounded by care, companionship, and the people he holds dear, within a strong and supportive community.

We asked Leslie what his secret to a long life is. “Having a good woman”, he shared. Happy Birthday Leslie!

To learn more about Hatherleigh Nursing Home, visit https://www.hatherleighnursinghome.com/lifes-journey-continued/

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