A FORMER Stourbridge resident and World War Two veteran has celebrated his 104th birthday.
John Jeffrey Beavon, known as Jack, was delighted to be joined by a number of fellow veterans and loved ones to mark the milestone on November 10.
During his time in the army, Mr Beavon, who now lives at Brook Court, a care home in Kidderminster, served in Dunkirk and is now one of the only survivors left.
The team at Brook Court liaised with the Captain of the Mercian Regiment to arrange for other veterans to attend Mr Beavon’s party. Together, the veterans remembered the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen who served in both World Wars, in a service of Remembrance that began at 11am with a bugler.
Revealing his secret to a long and happy life, Mr Beavon, who is well known at the home for his loving relationship with his wife Winifred, said: “Don’t take things too seriously – get yourself a good wife and family to share your memories with.”
The care home team threw Mr Beavon a big party and organised a lunch at Brook Court where he was joined by his family.
Mr Beavon added: “I was blown away by the regiment coming in and bringing me such lovely presents. I was overwhelmed in the best possible way.”
Lazarus Staziyo, home manager at Brook Court, said: “Everyone had a wonderful time celebrating Mr Beavon’s birthday, and he was particularly pleased to see the former veterans and Captain of the Mercian Regiment in attendance.
“Jack has been living with his wife Winifred at Brook Court for just over two years now, and it’s fair to say the home wouldn’t be the same without the pair. Jack’s wonderful outlook on life never fails to make us smile and his quick wit definitely keeps us on our toes.
“Here at Brook Court, we always strive to make an occasion of birthdays, and Jack’s 104th was no exception. The service was very moving, and it meant a lot to Jack to see other veterans there. Thank you to everyone who came and made the day extra special.”
Mr Beavon was born in Wolverhampton in 1919 and moved to Stourbridge when he was two years old.
Attending school in Oldswinford, he went on to join the army and fight in the Second World War.
Mr Beavon met his wife at the same period in Kent; they married shortly after and then returned home together to Stourbridge.
After returning home from active service, he and Winifred lived with friends for some time before the pair moved into their first home in 1950.
Together, the couple went on to have two daughters, Janis and Christine, and three grandchildren, Adam, Alex and Becky. Mr and Mrs Beavon have also been lucky enough to have their five great-grandchildren Freddie, Neil, Jack, Tate and Oliver.
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