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I was born in 1931 in Reading and grew up in a terrace house with my parents and older sister. My father went to work and my mother took care of us children and the home. My mother would walk me to school and back every day and I remember in the infant class drinking a third of a pint bottle of milk each morning, courtesy of the local authority I imagine! In the early afternoon, the whole class would sleep in the hall on camp beds.

Children of wartime working class families were brought up without any of the luxuries today’s children enjoy. On Monday evenings, we would bathe in a tin bath in the kitchen, filled with kettles of water boiled on the gas stove. My parents instilled a strong family bond that has been with me all my life and is now reflected in my large and loving close family.

Aged 14, I finished my schooling and came across an advert in the local paper for a junior clerk role at a national insurance company. I still have the letter offering me the job at £100/year and I stayed with that company for 46 years, working my way up through various promotions. I retired at 61 and enjoyed many happy years with my wife in Winchester.

When my wife’s health began to decline, my daughters, who have given me lifelong support, suggested we move to Richmond Village in Witney so we’d be nearer. At the time, the Village was under construction, so we viewed the plans and were so impressed with the facilities that we decided to buy an independent living apartment. Within two weeks of moving in, the residents all knew each other by Christian name and had forged new friendships that continue today. The best part of this place is variety of residents, and I still say that, 8 years later.  

My wife sadly passed away after 4 years here and after a while, I decided I needed extra support so, after trying assisted living for a few weeks, I realised the best place for me was the care floor because of the medical care provided. I’ve got a big room with a lovely view from the window. I continue to lead my own life here by joining in with the activities and social events within the Village. I play Bridge twice a week and Rummikub three or four days a week as well as benefitting from seated exercise classes. I’ve had the luckiest life possible.