A MALVERN care home has thrown a 100th birthday celebration for one of it’s residents.
One hundred year-old Bill Poulton – who says the key to a long and happy life is to be ‘a bit rebellious’ – was treated to a birthday of afternoon tea, gifts and of course a card from the King to mark the special occasion.
A resident at Friends of the Elderly’s Davenham residential care home in Malvern since 2019, Bill grew up in the West Midlands attending Dudley Boys Grammar School and Queen Mary’s Grammar School before joining the army during the Second World War.
Bill reminisced on his weekly pocket money, which is where it appears his rebellious side began to flourish.
If he wasn’t spending his penny or half penny on sweets or ice cream, he would buy rubber bands and ping them at his parents during surprise attacks.
He said: “I enjoyed sports and being outdoors. I was a fast runner and won the 100 yards and 200 yard races at school sports days.”
His disdain of authority became apparent as he joined the army. He said: “I can’t recall exactly how old I was when I joined the army but I do remember that I didn’t take to the Sergeant Major or Sergeant.
“I didn’t like the way they bossed me around.
“To be honest, I have never like anyone who tried to boss me around.
“That type of behaviour has never worked on me or driven me to do my best. I hate any type of act of contempt.”
Later, Bill married his wife Joan and started a career in the financial world as a banker, a high powered and responsible job at the time. Now he enjoys a quieter, less hectic life at Davenham.
“Bill is a charming resident,” said Suzanne Park, the registered manager at Davenham.
“He’s very content and enjoys relaxing in his special chair and reading, joining in with some of our wide range of activities and chatting with the care team and the other residents.”
Bill said: “I think my secret to such a long and happy life is my motto – which is ‘Don’t do everything you’re told to do’.
“You must be a bit rebellious – just a bit. It’s stood me well.”
“The other day I was talking to one of the carers who asked me if I could have any super power, which one would I chose?
“I laughed and said, what do you mean, reaching my 100th Birthday is a super power all by itself isn’t it.”
