Broadbridge Park Resident, Ron, Celebrates A Life Well Lived At His 103rd Birthday Party
Sunday 30th November was a big day for Broadbridge Park resident, Ron Jones, who marked his 103rd birthday with a celebratory lunch.
A Happy Gathering and a Fabulous Cake Shared With Family
Ron moved into Broadbridge Park Care Home just over a year ago, and he’s been keen to get involved in as many activities as possible in the home. The Broadbridge team loves his zest for life and were delighted to host a birthday lunch for Ron and a group of his family and friends to mark another milestone.
The lounge was beautifully decorated with gold balloons and streamers and Broadbridge’s chefs put together lovely buffet with a fabulous strawberry and meringue cake as the celebratory centrepiece – chosen by the birthday boy, of course. When Ron was presented with his cake, everyone – including the staff and residents – sang ‘Happy Birthday’.
A significant birthday inevitably leads to reminiscence, and learning more about Ron over the past year has given the Broadbridge Park team real insight into what makes him tick. Unsurprisingly, he’s led a full life!
Wartime, Marriage and an Eventful Life
Ron was born on the 30th November 1922 to Alice May Grace Jones and Robert Jones and 10 years later, he was joined by a sister, Joyce.
In 1941 during the 2nd World War, Ron joined the Navy and ended up in Intelligence. He served behind enemy lines but like most, he remained fairly tight lipped about his experiences. Ron met Alice Violet Feeney, always known as Vi, at a local dance, and they corresponded throughout the war, then married on the 16th July 1949. They had a daughter, Coral, two grandchildren, Alan and Freya, and three great grandchildren, Arthur, Henry and George who now live in Australia.
After the war, Ron worked as a statistician for the Treasury in Millbank and was seconded to the National Economic Development Office in 1965. He worked for many Prime Ministers including Margaret Thatcher and would delight in telling many stories about them all. He retired in 1982 and devoted himself to his hobbies, namely tennis, badminton, bowls, bridge, swimming and dancing, and became a coach or instructor in all of them. He also coached disabled ladies to swim, took up windsurfing at the age of 80, and was a very keen gardener.
Retirement Adventures and a Move to Broadbridge Park
After retirement, Ron and Vi had many holidays, mostly in the UK and Europe, with his many friends and family. They decided to go on a Caribbean cruise in September 2011, which with hindsight was not a good time. They spent three days in their cabin, fearing for their lives as the sea was so rough, and on their return, he vowed never to do that again!
Having grown up in Edmonton, north London, Ron had returned to the area and lived in the same house for over 76 years. His beloved Vi passed away in 2022 and Ron moved to Broadbridge Park in 2024. Now very much part of the family, he loves a chat with residents and staff, has been known to turn his hand to baking and has even made a pompom for the Christmas wreath.
The birthday celebration was a lovely, happy gathering, even when about an hour into the event, Ron thanked everyone for coming, and said he was going to have a lie down and they could carry on. What better way to celebrate being 103 than, rather like royalty, being the first to gracefully bow out!
Welcome to Broadbridge Park Care Home
Broadbridge Park is our nursing and care home in Horsham, West Sussex. Conveniently located in Broadbridge Heath, we offer residential, nursing and dementia care. Broadbridge Park Care Home is luxurious and beautifully furnished whilst retaining a warm family atmosphere.
You’ll find first-class comfortable and modern spaces, exciting activities and plenty of places to relax or entertain. Residents and families make the most of our location to browse in the local shops and have lunch in the cafes and cosy pubs.
All of our residents are treated with the utmost care and respect, given the freedom to spend their time how they would like. From regularly planned arts and crafts, baking and gardening to live entertainment or even a visit to our in-house hair salon, there’s something for everyone.
