Alan Beckley, who lives at Care UK’s Mercia Grange on Lichfield Road in Four Oaks, celebrated his 100th birthday on 23rd May with his family, residents and team members.
To help make Alan’s birthday one to remember, the team threw him a special celebration complete with balloons, banners and a birthday cake made by the home’s talented Head Chef.
Born in Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, and raised in Walsall, Alan joined the army at 18. After completing his basic training, he was posted to Lanark in Scotland for six weeks, followed by various training depots across the UK, including Preston. During the second world war, Alan trained as a radio operator, mastering an array of skills including morse code.
He was posted to France, arriving six weeks after D-Day, and was stationed in Germany when the war ended. He remained in service for a further three years as part of the British Army of the Rhine. After leaving the military, Alan built a successful career as an accountant, working for multiple companies over the years.
After his return from the war, Alan married his late wife, Doreen, and together they had two children, Keith and Ann. His family has since grown to include four grandchildren, who regularly visit him at Mercia Grange.
In his spare time, Alan spent a lot of time caravanning – a hobby to which he credited his long life.
“I’m not sure I have a particular secret to a long life, but I did spend a lot of time caravanning and meeting other caravanning people, which might have helped!” Alan said.
“I like to stay active – I think that is the key.”
In his later years, Alan picked up gardening as a hobby, which is something he has enjoyed during his time at Mercia Grange.
Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “We love to celebrate special occasions at the home, and Alan’s 100th birthday certainly called for a huge celebration!
“It was wonderful to see Alan surrounded by all his loved ones to mark such an incredible milestone. The team worked tirelessly to make sure his day was one to remember, and we would like to thank everyone who came along to raise a glass to Alan.”
Mercia Grange is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The three-storey care home, which features 67 en-suite bedrooms, has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, and includes its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and pub.