Two Pinner care home residents who were born on the same day celebrated milestone birthdays last month.
Spirits were high at Haven Residential Care Home on November 29 as friends, family and esteemed guests, including Mayor of Harrow councillor Janet Mote (pictured right), turned out to celebrate Joy Rumble and Jim Davies (pictured left) turning 100 and 102 respectively.
Second World War veteran Jim was 19 when the conflict started in 1939. He vividly remembers singing disparaging songs about Hitler in the local air raid shelter during the Blitz.
In 1941, Jim was called up for military service and though he was eager to become an air gunner – unaware that the life expectancy of such a role was only three weeks at that time – he was commissioned to the army.
On deployment in Naples in 1943, Jim was introduced to a typist, Maria, who knew no English nor how to type. A whirlwind romance followed and three months later, they were married.
Major Scott Evans of the Northwood Headquarters greeted Jim at the birthday party and gave a speech that regaled Jim’s wartime stories and memories.
Mayor of Harrow Janet Mote, a personal friend of Jim’s, also attended the party, which was brimming with music, food and smiles.
She said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure, and Haven seems like such a wonderful place.”
When Jim was asked what has contributed to his longevity, he said: “Wine, women and song.”
Also celebrating was 100-year-old Joy Rumble, who “could not get her head around” receiving a letter from the King, not least because the passing of Her late Majesty still seems so surreal.
Joy has nine grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren and had wise words to pass on to the next generations.
When asked what advice she would give to those hoping to live a similarly long, healthy and happy life, she replied: “Fresh air, exercise, friends and to go out dancing.”
Peter Bharj, home manager at Haven, said: “I’m just so glad people are having fun. During the pandemic, people lost something, something very important. I hope this is the first of many such occasions.”
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