Bill moved into Marston Court, run by The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) in March 2018. He celebrated his 86th birthday in January this year with a special zoom call and concert from his favourite country music entertainer, Donna Chalcraft.

Bill’s attitude to life is: “You’ve got to be happy, do the things you want to do.”

Since he joined the community of residents at Marston Court, Bill has brought his life and soul to the home, volunteering to take centre stage at activities and parties there. Even whilst the home coped with restrictions during national lockdowns, Bill brought a smile to everyone’s face.

Activities Coordinator Penny Jenner said: “The very first time I met Bill, he stood up and twirled around the floor and did this amazing dance.”

Some of Bill’s favourite activities this year have been summer trips out on a scooter to the nearby nature reserve and playing games at the virtual St Giles Fair which the home put on. As an avid dancer and singer, Bill was an enthusiastic cover singer for the home’s entry to the National Activities Providers Association (NAPA) National Care Home Choir of the Year competition, taking on ‘We are the Champions’ dressed as Freddie Mercury.

Yvonne, Bill’s daughter, said: “One of the reasons my dad likes it there so much is because they do lots of nice things like dancing and singing because he is very much a people person.”

Bill, who also has two grandsons and one great granddaughter, has kept in touch with his family during the year via online zoom calls and meeting in the home’s secure visiting room.

Yvonne said: “Bill is hard of hearing and so it’s nice to have Penny there to help relay the conversation.”

Bill said: “It’s a great place. I’m on the move all the time, keep moving that’s what you’ve got to do. If there are any parties happening, I’m there!”

To find out more about Bill and his life at Marston Court watch this short video: https://vimeo.com/511540394