Bill Celebrates Centenary

A resident at our Allanbank Care Home in Dumfries has celebrated his milestone 100th birthday with family, the team and his fellow residents. Born on his family farm in Crossford, Bill Dykes credits his strong work ethic as being key to living a long and healthy life. Bill took on various roles, including a farmhand, apprentice motor mechanic, plant mechanic, HGV driver, and serving in the Royal Navy. Of all these, he fondly recalls being a mechanic as his favourite. One of Bill’s fondest memories is meeting his wife Lizzie in a graveyard while she was searching for four-leaf clovers. Together, they had three children: William, Albert, and Elizabeth. Bill has seen his family blossom, with six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Moving to Allanbank in July 2021, Bill loves singing and reminiscing with staff and his fellow residents, as well as relaxing in the garden, watching the birds. When asked about the secret to longevity Bill says: “Keep working as it keeps you young and only have a little bit of alcohol, I have a tipple at Christmas time and on birthdays. “I feel extremely lucky to have reached such a fantastic age and this is because I didn’t retire until I was 84.” Home manager Sandra McNay says: “We are so proud to have shared this special day with Bill and his family. He is part of our community here at Allanbank and we are honoured to have marked this milestone with him.”

click here for more details or to contact Allanbank Care Home