RAF veteran at The Tithebarn celebrates his 100th birthday

Above: (Left) Arthur Sutton with his birthday card from the King and Queen Consort, and a birthday balloon in celebration of his 100th birthday. (Right) Resident Arthur Sutton celebrates his 100th birthday with his four children – Ellen, Elizabeth, Kate and Andrew.

Arthur Sutton, a resident at The Tithebarn, in Liverpool, celebrated his 100th birthday. To mark the special milestone, Arthur enjoyed a celebration with family and friends, and received a card from the King and Queen Consort.

Arthur was born in Windermere in June 1925, and lived in Formby all his life. He left school at the age of 14, and became an apprentice mechanic at Woodwards of Formby where he worked in various roles becoming a works director until he retired at the age of 63. He spent two years in the Royal Air Force (RAF), which he joined in June 1943, the day after his 18th birthday. Arthur was discharged after the war in 1947, and was involved with placing barrage balloons over London and celebrated VE Day in Germany ‘with a good group of lads’.

Arthur Sutton aged 18 in June 1943

Arthur Sutton with a Percival Prentice aircraft during his time in the RAF in 1943.

Arthur met his wife Joy in 1960, and built their own home, and was completed in time for the birth of their first daughter. They went on to have four children – three daughters and a son.

In later years, they enjoyed cruising and completed the world cruise twice, sailing in different directions and went on to enjoy time with their seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Arthur and Joy were married for almost 60 years, until January 2021 when Joy sadly passed away. He remained in the family home until October 2023 when he moved to The Tithebarn.

When asked what is his secret to having a long life? Arthur simply says:

It is enjoying the simple pleasures in life. I love gardening, bird watching and having a chat with everyone at the Home. I enjoy spending time with my family when they come and visit. We watch the church service in my room every Sunday.

[Summary: Resident Arthur Sutton at The Tithebarn, in Liverpool, celebrated his 100th birthday. To mark the special milestone, Arthur enjoyed a celebration with family and friends, and received a card from the King and Queen Consort.]