A big celebration took place for one of Karbon’s residents living in Blackhall Mill, Gateshead as they marked a significant milestone birthday at the weekend.
Bill Preston is 101 years old and was able to enjoy passing the century mark with a birthday party featuring 4 generations of the same family with ages ranging from two to 101.
Many of his Nieces and Nephews live locally and were able to celebrate with him on Sunday. Bill will also be receiving birthday greetings from his daughter in law, Mariasun and one grandchild Amya from Spain, whilst Bill’s other two grandchildren, Christina & William sent greetings all the way from Australia.
Bill’s family had originally intended to celebrate his 100th birthday last year, but due to coronavirus restrictions they were unable to mark the big occasion. So, with restrictions now being relaxed, they jumped at the opportunity to make a big fuss over Bill this year.
Bill’s family said: “Bill is a very kind man, and we are delighted to be able to celebrate his 101st Birthday with him.”
Bill is originally from Wardley, England and is the brother of 4 siblings. He spent most of his career working on shipyards, he is said to have worked in just about every shipyard in Great Britain and Ireland.
In between working on the shipyards he joined the Navy and served during the Second World War. He travelled to places such as America, West Indies and Middle East. He was on board a vessel travelling to Japan as the atomic bombs were dropped in 1945. He then worked with the Navy to decommission and salvage ships after the war came to an end.
Later in life he worked for schools in Middlesbrough helping with laboratories and setting up experiments for students.
Bill moved to Blackhall Mill in 1985, be closer to family after his retirement. He bought a share in the leasehold bungalow at 2 Mill Court, Blackhall Mill in 1985. This was said to be the show home of the development built by Nomad Homes.
At 101, Bill still lives a predominantly independent life at Mill Court. He has daily help with meals but as a man of routine he still very much likes to do his own ironing each week.
He is a confident user of a smart tablet and android phone and most recently his relatives purchased him a printer to use.
Lindsey Osborne, Leasehold Officer from Karbon Homes, said: “I have always found Bill to be a very polite and friendly man and very much enjoyed chatting with him during scheme inspections and resident meetings. It has been a pleasure being his Housing Officer for almost nine years.
“I, along with everyone here at Karbon Homes wish him all the best on this momentous occasion.”
A big celebration took place for one of Karbon’s residents living in Blackhall Mill, Gateshead as they marked a significant milestone birthday at the weekend.
Bill Preston is 101 years old and was able to enjoy passing the century mark with a birthday party featuring 4 generations of the same family with ages ranging from two to 101.
Many of his Nieces and Nephews live locally and were able to celebrate with him on Sunday. Bill will also be receiving birthday greetings from his daughter in law, Mariasun and one grandchild Amya from Spain, whilst Bill’s other two grandchildren, Christina & William sent greetings all the way from Australia.
Bill’s family had originally intended to celebrate his 100th birthday last year, but due to coronavirus restrictions they were unable to mark the big occasion. So, with restrictions now being relaxed, they jumped at the opportunity to make a big fuss over Bill this year.
Bill’s family said: “Bill is a very kind man, and we are delighted to be able to celebrate his 101st Birthday with him.”
Bill is originally from Wardley, England and is the brother of 4 siblings. He spent most of his career working on shipyards, he is said to have worked in just about every shipyard in Great Britain and Ireland.
In between working on the shipyards he joined the Navy and served during the Second World War. He travelled to places such as America, West Indies and Middle East. He was on board a vessel travelling to Japan as the atomic bombs were dropped in 1945. He then worked with the Navy to decommission and salvage ships after the war came to an end.
Later in life he worked for schools in Middlesbrough helping with laboratories and setting up experiments for students.
Bill moved to Blackhall Mill in 1985, be closer to family after his retirement. He bought a share in the leasehold bungalow at 2 Mill Court, Blackhall Mill in 1985. This was said to be the show home of the development built by Nomad Homes.
At 101, Bill still lives a predominantly independent life at Mill Court. He has daily help with meals but as a man of routine he still very much likes to do his own ironing each week.
He is a confident user of a smart tablet and android phone and most recently his relatives purchased him a printer to use.
Lindsey Osborne, Leasehold Officer from Karbon Homes, said: “I have always found Bill to be a very polite and friendly man and very much enjoyed chatting with him during scheme inspections and resident meetings. It has been a pleasure being his Housing Officer for almost nine years.
“I, along with everyone here at Karbon Homes wish him all the best on this momentous occasion.”
More news
Celebrating the good eggs in our communities
We met up with community hero Letty Davison who runs the Egg Crackers group in Chester-le-Street to find out more about the work she does.
Are you signed up for MyKarbon?
MyKarbon is a free, safe and secure online service that can be used anytime, anywhere, to manage your rent and repairs.