The Spinney hosts 100th birthday party for World War Two veteran Ken

An aeroplane-themed celebration was the only way to go for model aircraft fan and former RAF serviceman, Ken Marsh, to mark his 100th birthday.

A resident at The Spinney Care Home, located on Forest View in Chingford, Ken was joined by family members and fellow residents for a party at the home to celebrate his landmark birthday on September 24. Ken’s daughter Fiona made an aeroplane-themed cake for her dad, who served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War as a truck driver, responsible for transporting equipment, supplies, and personnel. The home was decorated with banners and balloons, and the lifestyle team arranged a singer to entertain Ken and his guests.

Ken is a founding member of the West Essex Aeromodelling Club, which started in 1947. When asked about his secret to living a long and happy life, Ken said: “Having a happy home life, being able to get along with people, and avoiding trouble!”

The Spinney is a 43-bed care home that provides residential, specialist dementia, and end of life care. Ken made The Spinney his home in February last year.

Samantha Carey, lifestyle coordinator at The Spinney, said: “Ken remains fascinated by planes and has regular visits from his friend Peter, who is a fellow aeromodeller. Recently, Peter brought in quite a large aircraft model that the two of them discussed in great detail for the whole visit!

“The whole team take the time to really get to know each of our residents, it’s a pleasure to hear their stories and discover what hobbies and interests brings them joy. We have a wish scheme too and encourage our residents to share their dreams with us, both big and small, so that we can help bring them to life.

“Understanding how important aeroplanes are to Ken helped us to personalise his birthday celebration. We displayed a collage with lots of old photos of Ken, many of which are of him enjoying his hobby. It’s wonderful to see someone so enthralled with a pastime that they’ve had since they were a child.”

Ken was born in 1925 in Clapton, Hackney, but lived in South Woodford for more than 70 years. He met his late wife Margaret at the wedding of their lifelong friends and was married on July 10, 1954.

The couple had two children, Fiona and Peter, and Ken now has five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Fiona Allan, Ken’s daughter, said: “I can’t thank Sam and all of the team at The Spinney enough for giving Dad such a special birthday celebration on his 100th birthday.

“It’s a huge relief that Dad has settled in so well to life at The Spinney. He enjoys the exercise classes, gets involved with the quiz sessions, and loves the trips out in the minibus.

“He really enjoys all of the entertainment at the home, and he was over the moon when they organised a singer for his birthday. Dad loved singing along to all of his favourite songs from the 1940s.”

Singer Edmund Geoffrey entertained Ken and his guests by performing all of the veteran’s favourite songs on his guitar and banjo, including The White Cliffs of Dover by Vera Lynn, Leaning on a Lamp Post by George Fornby, and That’s Amore by Dean Martin.

Lisa Wright, home manager at The Spinney, added: “We are a very family-focused home and our residents’ loved ones become part of our extended family here at The Spinney, we even hosted a wedding blessing for the daughter and son-in-law of one of our residents.

“We were delighted to host the party for Ken and his family. It’s our aim to create wonderful new memories for our residents, so I loved seeing Ken enjoy his birthday party. He even made a speech, which brought us all to tears.”

The Spinney is rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and won a Great British Care Award in 2023 for ‘Dignity in Care’.

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