“Good luck, it is” – Chester care home resident celebrates 100th birthday with wit and wisdom
A 100-year-old resident at a Chester care home has shared his tips for living a long and happy life.
Reaching the impressive milestone, William Watts, who lives at Care UK’s Deewater Grange, on Chester Road, said the secret to living a long life comes down to one simple thing: “Good luck, it is! If you have bad luck, you won’t get far.”
William was born in Preston and raised in Ellesmere Port. He worked as a structural and civil engineer, spending many years with the Atomic Energy Authority before starting his own business with his brother in Liverpool.
After meeting while playing cricket for the works team in Ellesmere Port, William married the love of his life, Joan in 1949. The pair enjoyed 70 happy years together until her passing in 2019. Together they raised three children, Lynda, Lorna, Mark and is now a proud grandfather of six, and great-grandfather of three.
Throughout his life, William has enjoyed mental challenges and was a keen golfer in his younger years. Since moving to Deewater Grange, he has also been learning German steadily, a decision he made upon reflecting on his school years and recalling it as his weakest subject. He now has regular sessions with a wonderful volunteer who is very encouraging.
Known for his sharp mind and dry sense of humour, William celebrated his milestone birthday surrounded by friends and family at Deewater Grange with plenty of cake and laughter.
William said: “I thoroughly enjoyed being surrounded by several generations and the reminiscing that took place, particularly the anecdotes from my 95-year-old brother, who lives up in the Wirral. This is what keeps the family young!”
Donna Howard, Home Manager at Deewater Grange, said: “William is a wonderful member of our community, witty, wise, and always up for a good chat. It was a joy to help him celebrate this huge milestone with his family and friends.
“At Deewater Grange, we love marking life’s milestones in a big way, and William’s was no exception. Now, in his centenary year, he’s taken on the challenge of learning German, determined to turn his old school nemesis into a new skill, which we absolutely love.
“His story is one of quiet determination and lifelong learning, which never ceases to inspire us.”
Deewater Grange is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. The home has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, and incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, including its own café, bar, cinema, and a hair and beauty salon. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.
For more information about Deewater Grange, please contact Customer Relations Manager Liz Wilson-Lamb on 01244 455176, email [email protected] or visit careuk.com/deewater-grange.