Andover care home resident Stanley celebrates 100th birthday

Stanley Bucket marked the milestone birthday with a party attended by his family and friends at Ashbourne Court Care Home, in Salisbury Road, Andover, where he is a resident. 

The Mayor and Mayoress of Test Valley, councillors Philip and Lynda Lashbrook were also in attendance and presented  Stanley with his birthday card from King Charles and Queen Camilla along with a huge box of his favourite chocolates.

Stanley, a much-loved resident at the care home, was ‘king for the day’; he wore a crown and sat upon his own throne to welcome guests to his party.

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Stanley was born in Ryde on the Isle of Wight on February 19, 1924, and served in the RAF before working as a civil servant at RAF Farnborough for 39 years.

He married Mary in 1947 and they had a son and daughter. He belonged to the Lads of the Village Community Committee and along with Mary, did a lot of charity work helping people in the area.

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Stanley now presides over five generations of his family and is a grandad, great-grandad and great-great-grandad.

When asked what his secret to living such a long and happy life is, he replied: “My animal magnetism”.

The home’s Magic Moments coordinator, Sarah-Jane Grace, said: “We had the most amazing day here at Ashbourne Court celebrating Stanley's 100th birthday.

"Stanley is a very special gentleman who is always smiling and joins in with all our activities, he particularly enjoys our armchair football matches!

"Our residents and carers wore hats with pictures of Stanley on and we played lots of party games.

"Stanley enjoyed a glass of champagne and was thrilled to receive his card from the King and Queen. It was such an honour to help him celebrate his big birthday.”