There was champagne, cake and a very special naval surprise at Seaview House Care Home in Wick as much loved resident Bruce Player celebrated his remarkable 101st birthday.
Bruce was joined by relatives, friends, fellow residents and staff for the milestone occasion, with an afternoon tea and champagne reception held in his honour.
Head chef Pam Jack provided a special birthday cake and home baking as the home came together to celebrate a man whose long life has included service at sea, a career in Edinburgh and now a new chapter in Caithness.
Bruce joined the Royal Navy at just 17 years old, and his years of service remain a source of enormous pride and stories he enjoys sharing with younger generations visiting Seaview House and new members of staff.
After leaving the Navy, Bruce moved to Edinburgh where he worked as a plasterer before eventually making his home at Seaview House.
Having experienced plenty of attention for his 100th birthday, Bruce had made it clear that he did not want quite as much fuss this time around, but those around him had other ideas.
The home’s Activities Coordinator contacted the Royal Navy in the hope that Bruce might receive a birthday card or letter recognising his 101st birthday.
What followed went considerably further.
The Navy researched Bruce’s service and created a personalised award bearing his name and recognising his years in the service and the vessel on which he sailed.
He was also presented with a bottle of whisky from a local distillery, with the gifts delivered personally alongside a firm handshake and a few words for the birthday boy.
Bruce was moved to tears when he entered the main lounge to discover residents and staff waiting for him alongside a Navy representative, Lord Thurso and members of the Sea Cadets.
The Sea Cadets then put on a demonstration for Bruce and his fellow residents, adding another memorable moment to a birthday firmly connected to the service that has remained such an important part of his life.
For everyone at Seaview House, the celebration was also an opportunity to recognise a resident whose stories and experiences continue to be shared with the people around him.
Gayle Magennis, General Manager of Barchester Seaview House, said:
“We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable man as he reaches this amazing milestone.
“Bruce is such a popular resident who always has an interesting tale to tell, and we look forward to hearing many more.”
Seaview House provides residential, nursing and dementia care for 41 residents in Wick, but for one afternoon the attention belonged firmly to Bruce, his extraordinary 101 years and a birthday surprise that proved rather bigger than the quiet celebration he had requested.
