ONE OF William Griffiths Court, Blackburn’s, oldest and best-loved residents today celebrates his 100th birthday with a doorstep delivery buffet and the very best wishes of all his fellow residents.

Jack Booth first moved into the Mill Hill housing complex in 1996 with his wife Sylvia, to whom he was devoted and who sadly died five years ago and has remained active there ever since.

Though care organisations across the country have been through extremely trying times due to the pandemic, Second World War veteran Jack has once again risen to the occasion, doing all he can to help staff and support his friends.

Court manager Dawn Tomlinson said: “I’ve been here 13 years, so he’s been here the whole time.

“He’s seen my daughter grow up from three years old to now, when she’s 16 and at college.”

Having served as a radio operator during the war, Jack has been well versed in hope to cope with a crisis, while a subsequent career with British Aerospace has left him with plenty of experience of hard work.

As the years have gone by Jack has remained active, and even in his 100th year he has continued doing his own shopping and helping other residents.

Before the onset of the pandemic he had been widely known in the home for organising social events and evening bingo games.

Ms Tomlinson said: “We have three ladies, Barbara, Mavis and Agnes, and before lockdown they all used to play dominoes together.

“Unfortunately, in the current situation we’re not able to do that anymore but Jack’s known them for a long time now and they’re still able to chat together.”

Today provides the chance for staff and residents to show Jack just how much they appreciate him and how much he enriches their time at William Griffiths Court and to wish him a very happy centennial.