Snowdrop House resident reveals the secret to long life as he celebrates 101st birthday

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Apr 29, 2019

A resident at Snowdrop House celebrated his 101st birthday and revealed the secret to a long and happy life. 

Birthday celebrations were in full swing at Care UK’s Snowdrop House, on Baldock Street, when resident Frank Read celebrated his birthday. Frank turned 101 years ‘young’ on 18th April, and revealed the secret to living to 101 is to “take life as a gift” and look after yourself.

To celebrate his milestone birthday, Frank was joined by family, friends and residents for a party hosted by the team at the care home. Everyone toasted Frank’s good health with a glass of wine and tucked into a slice of birthday cake.

A true cockney, Frank was born on 18th April 1918 in Bow, London. He is a motorbike fanatic, and on one occasion while riding in the park, Frank met his future wife, Elsie, commenting: “I knew that she was going to be the girl I married. She was so beautiful and I really loved her.” They were married for 68 years, and have one son, Colin. 

Frank had a varied career, serving in the Royal Artillery as a gunner for three years, and later in life working as a chef and owned his own restaurant, ‘Reads’. 

Frank has lived at Snowdrop House since October 2018.

Frank said: “My secret to getting to 101 is to live life normally – if you try and crowd too much in it never works. I take life as a gift, and look after myself, and that’s what works for me. My mother lived to 103 so I think I’m going to take after her.”

Clare Crow, home manager at Snowdrop House, said: “Residents are at the heart of everything we do here at Snowdrop House. We always like to throw a party for special celebrations, and Frank’s 101st birthday was no exception.

“Everyone here enjoys hearing about Frank’s exciting motorbike trips, and the lovely stories of his wife, Elsie. It’s fantastic to see Frank celebrating this incredible milestone at Snowdrop House with his family and friends.”