The Life of Bernard Harrison

At 98 years old, Bernard is one of our most active and social residents at Abbey Wood Lodge. He enjoys taking part in community activities, including bingo evenings and cheese and wine nights. His curiosity for everyone’s lives makes him attentive to every visitor, and he doesn’t miss a thing!

Bernard has been described by several residents as a “true gentleman”!

Bernard’s Background

Bernard was born in the Southend of Liverpool on the 25th of January 1925. In addition, he had a good childhood and has always been interested in sports, particularly football. Recently, he was invited as a guest of honour to a charity football match hosted by his old football club, Marine AFC. As a former Captain of the team, he was celebrated as the oldest living member of the club. In his adult years, Bernard also played golf, he was a member of the Prescott Golf Club. Every Wednesday night, he would also go to the pub and play darts.

When Bernard was 18, he was called up to serve in the Royal Navy for 3 years. He worked as a wireless telegraphist, and there were many occasions during the war when his life was in real danger! He says that he is very lucky to be alive! However, he enjoyed being in the forces, and if given the opportunity, Bernard will talk for hours about his service days.

As a ‘knocker,’ Bernard began his lifelong career in insurance when he was discharged from the navy. He worked briefly for English Electric before becoming a Co-op Insurance Agent in Kirkby.

Greatest Achievements

Bernard will tell anyone who asks, that his greatest achievement in life is being a husband to Ethel and his two children, Judith and Susan. He also has two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren!

Life at Abbey Wood Lodge

Bernard has lived at Abbey Wood Lodge since April 2021. He likes his routine he reads his paper in the morning and is our biggest fan of ‘Countdown’, which he watches with his 3 o’clock gin and tonic (see photo below). Then asked what he finds the most rewarding thing about growing older, he said that he is, ‘just trying to make the most of everything that comes along!’

We are so grateful to have such an inspiring man here with us at the Lodge. We wish you all the happiness here at Abbey Wood Lodge, Bernard.

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