76 years ago our gentleman, Jack, was only 23 years old when he went off to the D-Day landings with the RAF. Last year, he celebrated his 100th birthday at William Griffiths Court in Blackburn.

To make Jack’s lockdown birthday extra special, the scheme held a socially distanced game of bingo – hosted by local celebrity, BBC radio Lancashire’s Graham Liver! RAF officers from the squadron at Southport and Blackburn MP Kate Hollern also visited Jack to “have a natter”.

Scheme Manager, Dawn said, “our Jack always has a smile on his face and stories to tell that would make anyone smile.”

Jack was born in September 1920 to Jack and Maggie in Blackburn. He went to local schools until he was 14 years old and joined the engineering trade as an apprentice, working there until he was 19 years old before venturing to Coventry as an engineer. In 1940 he joined the Royal Air Force.

Jack’s career with the RAF as a wireless operator continued until 1947 when he moved to Leicester, becoming a turner then machine engineer at British Aerospace, working in the industry until he retired in the 1990s.

While living in Leicester, Jack met Sylvia and they married in the early 1950s, and had a daughter, Anne.

Jack and Sylvia decided to move to William Griffiths Court over 25 years ago. Sadly, Sylvia passed away a few years ago, however Jack remains independent at William Griffiths Court and enjoys regular visits from his daughter, granddaughter and three great grandsons.

Speaking about William Griffiths Court, Jack said: “I’m very pleased I moved here. I made lots of friends, and normally we get together and pass the time away”.

Jack keeps himself busy with cooking, shopping, cleaning and brilliantly arranging the bingo nights and social evenings in the communal lounge at William Griffiths Court. Jack enjoys the social events and always has a laugh with the other residents, enjoying the odd night cap of a tot of whisky along the way!