RAF veteran celebrates 104th birthday with fellow veterans in a service of Remembrance

A Kidderminster care home resident and World War Two veteran celebrated his 104^th birthday with a wonderful surprise.

John (Jack) Jeffrey Beavon, from Care UK’s Brook Court, on Oldnall Road, was delighted to be joined by a number of fellow veterans and loved ones to mark his 104^th birthday on 10^th November.

The team at Brook Court knew they wanted to do an extra special celebration for Jack on his big day, so they liaised with the Captain of the Mercian Regiment to arrange for other veterans to attend Jack’s party. Together, the veterans remembered the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen who served in both World Wars, in a service of Remembrance that began at 11am with a bugler. 

Revealing his secret to a long and happy life, Jack, who is well known at the home for his loving relationship with his wife, said: “Don’t take things too seriously – get yourself a good wife and family to share your memories with.”

With a slice of birthday cake and plenty of special gifts on the day, the team threw Jack a big party and organised a lunch at Brook Court where he was joined by his family. 

Jack added: “I was blown away by the regiment coming in and bringing me such lovely presents. I was overwhelmed in the best possible way.” 

Lazarus Staziyo, Home Manager at Brook Court, said: “Everyone had a wonderful time celebrating Jack’s birthday, and he was particularly pleased to see the former veterans and Captain of the Mercian Regiment in attendance. 

“Jack has been living with his wife Winifred at Brook Court for just over two years now, and it’s fair to say the home wouldn’t be the same without the pair. Jack’s wonderful outlook on life never fails to make us smile and his quick wit definitely keeps us on our toes!

“Here at Brook Court, we always strive to make an occasion of birthdays, and Jack’s 104^th was no exception. The service was very moving, and it meant a lot to Jack to see other veterans there. Thank you to everyone who came and made the day extra special!” 

Jack was born in Wolverhampton in 1919 and moved to Stourbridge when he was two years old. Attending school in Oldswinford in Stourbridge, Jack went on to join the army and fight in the second world war. He served in Dunkirk, and is now one of the only survivors left. Jack met his wife (Winifred Beavon) at the same period in Kent; they married shortly after then returned home together to Stourbridge.    

After returning home from active service, he and Winifred lived with friends for some time before the pair moved into their first home in 1950. Together, the couple went on to have two daughters, Janis and Christine, and three grandchildren, Adam, Alex and Becky. Jack and Winifred have also been lucky enough to have their five great grandchildren Freddie, Neil, Jack, Tate and Oliver.

Brook Court is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The care home, which features 67 en-suite bedrooms, has been designed to enable its residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hairdressing salon and café.