Frederick turns 100 in style at Rose Lodge in Wisbech
Celebrations have been in full swing at Rose Lodge Care Home as one of its residents reached his centenary in style.
Frederick Shepherd was joined by staff and other residents as he received a telegram from the Queen in recognition of his landmark birthday.
A party was held at the Wisbech home and guests enjoyed a special birthday cake made by the home’s chefs Dianne Lilley and Sue O Riordan.
Corporal Andrew Reeve represented RAF Marham where Frederick finished his RAF career, and presented Frederick with a photograph of the F-35B Lightning 2 aircraft which Frederick really enjoyed, Frederick also received a signed Birthday card from the Station Commander.
Later in the afternoon Frederick enjoyed a Zoom call from RAF Marham to wish him a happy 100th birthday and to chat about his RAF career.
Frederick was born in Manchester before moving to Norfolk and had a varied career in the RAF and Nestle before coming to reside at Rose Lodge.
Frederick has two daughters who he adores and several grandchildren and great grandchildren who he cannot wait to be reunited with fully as some of them live abroad.
The birthday boy said: "There is no secret to longevity, I am lucky and have had some scary moments in my life where I thought I wouldn’t survive like when our plane caught fire over the Atlantic.
"My comrades and I used to say 'see you later' before we went out and quite often we didn’t see them later. I know I am the lucky one to have survived that and I am grateful I have had a long life since."
Among those wishing Frederick a happy birthday was fellow resident Marie Youngman who said: “He is a wonderful man, he always talks to everyone and you always see him walking in the garden, Frederick always has a tale to tell about his formative years”
Meg Jones, general manager of Barchester Rose Lodge added: “We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable gentleman as he reaches this amazing milestone.
"Frederick is such a popular resident and was nominated as our resident representative. Frederick is like our very own Captain Tom Moore and we have often joked about this as Frederick states he would not want the 'paps and press attention as I am not handsome enough'. He still walks a mile each day and is remarkably fit."
