“Have the occasional sherry” – WW2 veteran shares wisdom on 101st birthday

A Fareham care home resident has already made 2024 a memorable year by celebrating his 101^st birthday.

A very special birthday celebration took place at Care UK’s Parker Meadows, on Parker View, when resident Jeffrey Broadhurst turned 101 years ‘young’. 

To mark the occasion, team members at the home surprised Jeffrey with a birthday celebration and decorated the lounge with balloons and banners. 

Revealing the secret to living a long and happy life, Jeffrey, said: “Have the occasional glass of sherry, shandy or light ale.” He also said his happiness stems from being a faithful, caring and loving husband and parent.

Jeffrey was born on 7^th January 1923 in Monmouthshire, Wales, but was raised in Wolverhampton. At 14 years old, he left school and trained to be a butcher, but soon joined the army commando, then transferred to Royal Marines when 40 Commando was formed. He was part of operations in Italy, Albania and the Greek Islands in World War Two. 

While stationed in Italy, Jeffrey sent a platinum diamond engagement ring to Dorothy, who he was then courting, in the post. The couple soon married upon his return to Bournemouth on 13^th September 1945. 

After the war, Jeffrey went to agricultural college and became a farmer, working across the south of England. 

One year into their marriage, Dorothy gave birth to their daughter, Kay, and two years later their son Roy was born. After retiring from farming, they settled in Exmouth, Devon.

The happy couple now also have three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren who all visit Jeffrey regularly at Parker Meadows. 

Jeffrey currently enjoys going for walks with his family, dancing – especially when there are live singers at home, and listening to audiobooks. 

Matthew Smith, General Manager at Parker Meadows said: “Jeffrey has been living at Parker Meadows for over eight years now and is a much-loved resident. It was wonderful to celebrate such a huge milestone with him.

“Here at Parker Meadows, we strive to help residents live fulfilling lives which includes marking special occasions – Jeffrey’s 101^st birthday certainly called for celebration. 

“It was fantastic to help Jeffrey celebrate this incredible milestone with his family and friends and to raise a glass to him – cheers to Jeffrey!” 

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Parker Meadows incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The home provides full-time residential care, nursing care, dementia care and respite care, in addition to independent living bungalows also on site. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.