Barford Court resident and WWII veteran celebrates 100th birthday

A resident at Barford Court, in Hove, who served in the Royal Navy during World War II, has celebrated his 100^th birthday.

Ray Pullin enjoyed a tea party at the Home with fellow residents and staff. He was presented with a birthday cake made by the Home’s chef, whilst everyone sang Happy Birthday.

He was delighted to receive an official birthday card from Her Majesty the Queen.

Ray’s son and daughter in law were also able to visit him in the Home’s Covid-secure visitor pod.

Ray was born in Leamington Spa, on September 23rd, 1920. He left school to train as a stone mason and worked with his father. He met his late wife, Eileen, in the 1940s and they were married for 70 years.

During World War II, Ray was in the Signal Division of the Royal Navy and in 1942 he was commissioned at HMS King Alfred in Hove. The ‘ship’ was a shore establishment located on Hove Marina.

An avid football fan, Ray is a lifelong supporter of West Bromwich Albion, and has happy memories of seeing them play at their home ground with his father when he was a young boy.

Ray, who has lived at Barford Court for six years, has a son, two grandchildren and a great granddaughter.

Gemma Wheelhouse, Activities Coordinator at Barford Court, said:

It was a privilege to help Ray celebrate his 100^th birthday at our Home. He is a real gentleman who is much loved at our Home.