FROME man, Alan Walker, was treated to a special birthday celebration at his care home last week when he turned 100 years ‘young’.
Reflecting on his many happy years, Alan revealed the secret to a long life is to, “Swap alcohol for gardening and get plenty of fresh air.”
To celebrate, the care home team at Rossetti House on Welshmill Lane decorated the lounge with balloons and banners and the home’s head chef baked a special birthday cake for everyone to enjoy at a surprise afternoon tea party. Guests in the home’s lounge included Alan’s relatives, friends and the extended family of Rossetti House team members and residents.
Alan was born on 17th October 1922 in Barking, London. After leaving school, he started his career working in a solicitor’s office in Leatherhead, before joining the RAF in November 1942, where he later trained as a pilot in Canada. His flying career saw him pilot a number of Mosquito planes – something he proudly reflects upon.
Aged 28, Alan moved to Frome, where he pursued his passion for nature to work as a landscape gardener. Fascinated by the gardening world, he continues to enjoy his love for the great outdoors by going on regular walks with team members – although he often prefers to pass the time in the garden with a newspaper these days.
Alan has three children, Julie, Martin and Jeremy, and two granddaughters, Hannah and Eleanor – who regularly visit him at Rossetti House.
A keen amateur artist, Alan has been for many years an active member of Frome Art Society and still paints.
Phil Vale, general manager at Rossetti House, “We always like to throw a party for special milestones – and Alan’s 100th birthday certainly called for a celebration!
“It was fantastic to help him celebrate this incredible milestone with his family and friends here at Rossetti House with a surprise afternoon tea party and to raise a glass to his inspiring career and reaching this fantastic milestone – cheers to Alan!”
For more information on Rossetti House, please call home admissions advisor, Helen Cross on 01373 887988, email helen.cross@careuk.com or visit: careuk.com/rossetti-house
