A ‘REMARKABLE’ former butcher from Rugby has celebrated his 102nd birthday.
Celebrations were in full swing at Overslade House Care Home as resident Bill Thompson marked the milestone in style.
He was joined by staff, relatives, and friends to enjoy a special birthday cake made by the home’s chef.
Bill came from a family of 10 siblings, but has survived all of his brothers and sisters.
He worked on planes as an RAF Engineer and was drafted to India during his service. His first job at the age of 14 was at a butcher’s in Rugby town centre, delivering orders on a bicycle.
Bill tells how his father had a cow in a paddock behind their home in Lower Street, Hillmorton, which helped to keep the grass down. They had no running water or electricity, and the toilet was at the bottom of the garden.
He married Florence in 1947 and they were married for 68 years. During their happy marriage, Bill and Florence had four children – three daughters and one son.
Bill became the Manager at Paddox Butchers and was there for 35 years. He also owned a small holding with pigs and chickens. This was jointly owned with his brother, along with five shops in Hillmorton – including the fish and chip shop, a veg and haberdashery shop that was run by his mother, and another shop which was rented out as a post office.
He received his Telegram from the Queen on reaching 100 years of age.
When asked the secret to a long life, Bill said: “I never smoked, I like a good whiskey, keep a good appetite, and most of all keep working and keep going as long as you can.”
Violeta Baesu, General Manager of Barchester Overslade House added: “We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable man as he reaches another amazing milestone.
“Bill is such a popular resident who always has an interesting tale to tell, and we look forward to hearing many more.”
