Frank turns 108!

Our amazing resident Frank Chester, believed to be the oldest person in Worcestershire, has celebrated his 108th birthday! 

Born and raised in Ludlow, Shropshire, the World War II veteran is a resident at Sanctuary Care’s Hastings Residential Care Home, where Frank celebrated his landmark birthday.

In his youth, Frank worked in HM Customs and Excise in London before he was called up to serve for his country during World War II.   

During his deployment, Frank trained as a Royal Naval Officer and was later promoted to First Lieutenant Officer aboard HMS Honeysuckle. 

When he signed up for the Navy, Frank imagined spending his days on “a cruiser in a warmer climate” but instead, ended up on a “rusty, old ship that needed painting in Liverpool”. 

His journey in the Royal Navy took him all over the world. He recalls a standout World War II mission, which saw his ship attacked by German planes as they escorted two submarines which had to come above the surface of the water off the Norwegian coast.

Frank said: “When we saw the German aircraft, we knew it was coming for us. I knew they were going to bomb us. I could hear a knocking sound but quickly realised it was my knees knocking together!”

After the war, Frank moved to Walsall where he met his wife-to-be, actress Lily. The proud father and now Great-grandfather, Frank recalls: “Six weeks later we decided we were going to spend the rest of our lives together – Lily was the best thing that happened to me.” 

According to Frank, the secret to his longevity is "always keeping the faith”, coupled with “sitting down whilst putting my trousers on” - ensuring he does not fall over. Frank added: “The Lord has been very kind to me every day – I say my prayers every morning and thank him that he has given me another day.”

Shelly Ford, Home Manager at not-for-profit Hastings Residential Care Home, commented:

“Frank is a fantastic gentleman, who has lived an incredibly inspiring life. He has so many great stories to share. We were thrilled to celebrate his milestone birthday with him.” 

For more about life at Hastings, our Enquiry Support Team are here to help on 0800 331 7414.