Residents, relatives and staff at Orchard House Care Home recently came together to celebrate the incredible 104th birthday of resident Arthur John Cooke, marking a lifetime filled with music, travel, family and love.
Born on 15th May 1922 in the village of Culworth, Northamptonshire, Arthur has experienced more than a century of extraordinary memories and adventures.
Arthur’s father worked as a professional jockey, horse trainer and farmer, while his mother cared for the family home. Growing up, Arthur developed a love for horses and often went hunting alongside his father. He owned his own horse, Tommy, as well as a much-loved dog named Buster.
While attending boarding school, Arthur regularly returned home during holidays to help on the family farm, which supplied milk to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Music later became one of Arthur’s greatest passions, leading him to become a professional musician and drummer. His career took him across the world, performing in countries including Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand.
Before retiring, Arthur’s final role was with the Royal Air Force.
Arthur’s wife, Estelle, shared the story of how the pair first met after being introduced by her best friend while Arthur was serving in the RAF. At the time, Estelle was working as a nurse in Essex while Arthur lived in Brockley, Northamptonshire, beginning a long-distance romance.
The couple married on 16th May 1979 and later welcomed a daughter together, who now runs a farm with her husband. Arthur also has 2 grown-up children from his first marriage.
Their family has since expanded further with the arrival of 2 grandchildren – a grandson and granddaughter.
Following retirement, Arthur and Estelle moved to the Isle of Wight, where they have continued to enjoy life together.
On Friday (15th May), the couple also celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary.
Estelle has said:
“I called him ‘Choy’ – meaning chop suey with rice and lots of noodles for a long life.”
The birthday celebrations at Orchard House were described as an emotional and joyful occasion, with friends, family, residents and staff gathering to honour Arthur’s remarkable milestone.
Staff prepared a homemade birthday cake for the special occasion, while some team members even came into work on their day off to celebrate with Arthur and his loved ones.
Care home staff described Arthur as a much-loved gentleman whose warmth, humour and fascinating life stories continue to inspire everyone around him.
Congratutations.
Shame Orchard House Care Home has just been rated as Inadequate by CQC.
Lately it seems many care homes are inadequate.
Happy Birthday Arthur 104 years young.