A Navy veteran, living at a care home in Frome, shared the secret to a long life on his 100^th birthday and was visited by a very special guest.

Jim Cush celebrated his 100^th birthday in style at Care UK's Rossetti House on Welshmill Lane, on 26 July, and shared many secrets to living a long and healthy life including 'finding a wonderful partner' and the creation of the NHS after the war.

Jim also had a special visit from the Mayor of Frome, Councillor Andy Jones who wished him a very happy birthday.

Jim was born in Loftus, North Yorkshire on 26 July 1924.

Due to World War Two breaking out, Jim was unable to apply for his dream scholarship at Liverpool's School of Art to study architecture. Instead, he left school at the age of 16 and worked at Skinningrove Steelworks in the laboratory where his father also worked.

Despite securing a job, Jim was keen to enlist in the army but was turned down several times as he was needed at the steelworks. Eventually, he was enlisted into the Navy at the end of the war in 1946 and was based in Fife, Scotland, until he completed his service in 1949.

After the war, Jim returned back to the steel works and worked there until he retired at the age of 57 in 1981. He also had a part-time job as an auctioneer in Saltburn.

Jim's passion for the arts never dwindled, he loved to draw especially black and white sketches and architectural drawings. He also considered himself to be a bit of a handyman, restoring a large Georgian house and garden in Brotton, North Yorkshire, to save it from being demolished and making it his family home for over 40 years.

Jim's handy work also extended to converting an old school bus and later an ambulance into campervans for his family. He loved driving on remote mountain roads and wild camping with his wife and children.

Jim married his late wife, Edna May in 1950 and the pair were married for 67 years. Denise said: "We were totally in love all our lives."

They met while they were both serving in the Navy in St Andrews. Denise said: "They didn't realise how much they meant to each other until they were about to leave". They knew then and there they had to be together and were married soon after.

He added: "Edna meant everything to me, she was wonderful."

The couple have four children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, who regularly visit Jim at Rossetti House.

On the big day, the team at Rossetti House adorned the home with balloons and banners, complete with a birthday cake specially prepared by Head Chef, Lukasz Smykowski.

Commenting on his birthday Jim said: "I never thought I'd be celebrating my 100^th Birthday. It's down to the great care, support and love from my family and the people around me".

Philip Vale, General Manager at Rossetti House, said: "It was an honour to celebrate Jim's birthday. He is a beloved resident at Rossetti House, and we all had a lovely time acknowledging this tremendous milestone. He even had a visit from the Mayor!

"Everything we do centres around supporting residents to live fulfilling lives, which is why we are always eager to mark special occasions. Jim's 100^th birthday was no exception, and it was a delight to hear his great advice for living a long and happy life!"

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Rossetti House incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The building has been designed to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents. 

For more information on Rossetti House, please call Home Admissions Advisor Helen Cross on 01373 887988, email [email protected] or visit careuk.com/rossetti-house.