Cotman House Resident Bill Marks 100 Years With A Poetic Performance At His Birthday Gathering
The team at Cotman House celebrated the 100th birthday of much loved resident Bill on 23rd April – a day that was full of poetry, music, laughter – and several surprises for the birthday boy.
With such a landmark day approaching, Home Manager, Kirsty Allen, was inspired to make Bill’s big birthday an event to remember. She explained, “Bill is a wonderful man with the kindest heart. He’s also a Royal Navy Veteran who is extremely proud of his service and has had strong ties with Felixstowe since his naval training days. I wanted to arrange something special”.
A Few of Bill’s Favourite Things
A party was planned at Cotman House Care Home in Felixstowe, with Bill’s favourite things very much on the agenda, including a delicious fruit-filled cake, a selection of pickled vegetables with cockles and prawns, and a playlist featuring hits from the 1980s – the musical era that Bill loves best. Family and friends were invited to the celebration and in the spirit of the occasion, the party was kept top secret – Bill was simply told he’d be going out for a pizza with his family as a birthday treat.
Surprise and Delight as the Big Day Arrives
The team set to work decorating the lounge and a fabulous array of balloons, bunting and ‘100 year’ streamers were set up. With the buffet laid out, champagne chilled and the spectacular birthday cake in pride of place, guests started to arrive and at 2pm, the stage was set for Bill’s entry.
His reaction on seeing the room full of people was surprise, delight and a few tears as a big cheer rang out followed by a chorus of ‘Happy Birthday’. Bill claimed he’d prepared a speech in case something like this happened, but said he’d forgotten every word of it. Nevertheless, he rose to the occasion brilliantly, spontaneously addressing the room and thanking everyone for being there, adding, “I’ve been so well looked after here. I have so many friends, I don’t have carers. The staff have treated me so wonderfully – I’ve had a marvellous five years here”.
Birthday Cards and a Special Poetry Reading
Bill was handed a pile of birthday cards – rather more than he’d expected. “I wonder if anyone’s sent me a card” he joked.
Kirsty had reached out to groups and schools in the local community and asked them to kindly send in a birthday card for Bill so he could receive good wishes from as many people as possible on his 100th birthday. Everybody who has met Bill knows he’s a prolific poet and some of the children from The Meadows Montessori School in Ipswich were inspired to write some poetry in their cards to Bill, including 12-year old Quincy whose poem, 'Echoes of War’, was inspired by Bill’s own wartime experiences.
On his big day, Bill didn’t disappoint. He’d composed not one, but three poems, which he shared with a rapt audience. “Thank you for such a marvellous feeling. I didn’t realise I was so popular”, Bill said, before beginning to read. You could have heard a pin drop, especially during ‘The Love of Life’ – a poignant reflection on past, present and future.
Navy Days and the HMS Ganges
Bill was 16 when World War 2 broke out and his family relocated after the roof of their house was blown off during the Blitz, eventually settling in Felixstowe. Aged 17, Bill joined the Royal Navy and his training included a stint on the HMS Ganges, a former naval training school in Shotley, Suffolk, which was used during wartime as a base for training and preparing seamen for combat. To Bill’s surprise, Colin Chapman and John Arbon from the HMS Ganges Museum in Shotley arrived at the party and presented Bill with a specially engraved hip flask, filled with top-notch navy rum, to commemorate his 100th birthday. Bill enthusiastically christened the flask, taking a swig, which prompted everyone to raise their glasses. “Slan-ge-vah” rang around the room, a traditional Gaelic toast in Scotland where Bill moved and lived happily with his Scottish wife, and later his children, after the war.
A Card from the King is the Icing on the Cake
There was one rather special envelope that stood out and Bill took great pleasure in opening his birthday card from the King and Queen. “He’s nearly as good looking as me”, Bill joked.
Finally, the tall cake was ceremoniously cut – expertly handled by Bill – then everyone relaxed, chatted, and tucked into the buffet. Kirsty had even ordered in pizza in case Bill was disappointed to have missed his fictitious birthday outing!
It was a happy, sociable occasion where residents, including 99-year-old Lawrence whose own 100th birthday is in August, mingled with family, friends and the team. People took turns posing for photos with the effervescent Bill including Dani, a carer who joined Cotman House from St Lucia. It was her birthday on the very same day so having her picture taken with Bill felt extra special.
The celebration of Bill’s 100th birthday was a wonderful occasion and everyone agreed that his zest for life is remarkable – illustrated perfectly by his first words to guests when he arrived at the party: “Thank you so much. It’s great to be 100!”
‘The Love of Life’
Made my entrance in an unknown world, with no memory of birth.
Gained my knowledge and my wisdom, from others here on earth.
Had the wealth of touch and feeling, felt the warmth of my desire.
Heard the whispered words of romance, that set my heart on fire.
Felt the burning flame of passion, as the growth of love transcends
Through the journey of a lifetime, that I hoped would never end.
Now I’ve reached the age of magic, an amazing century of years.
Three children and a loving wife, with so seldom any tears.
To my extended family and friends, when my time arrives
I wish you love and prosperity, for the remainder of your lives.
In my latter years I’ve been treated with love and tender care
By people who are worldly wise, come from countries everywhere.
Oft when I have stumbled, I have felt someone’s helping hand
Without a need for explanation, they just seem to understand.
I am the essence of my ways since my days of growth began.
I hope I’ve played a decent part, giving rise to a better man.
Thank you one and all for the journey of my life.
Bill
