A resident at a Burwell retirement community recently celebrated his 100th birthday 

Ken Abbs marked the occasion at Ness Court with a party in the communal lounge on April 25.

Organised by his family, the bash was complete with balloons, a personalised cake and attended by fellow residents and staff.

Ely Standard: Ken was born on April 22, 1924, in Histon. Ken was born on April 22, 1924, in Histon. (Image: Ness Court)

Samantha Keys, wellbeing and inclusion assistant, said: “Ken is a much-loved resident here at Ness Court and we all had a wonderful time celebrating his special day.

“We work hard to support residents to lead fulfilling lives, and marking special occasions and birthdays plays a huge part in this.”

Ken was born on April 22, 1924, and raised in Histon by his grandmother and aunt after his parents passed away as a young child.

When he left school, he worked as vehicle body builder before joining the RAF during WWII, serving as a wireless operator in bombers.

Post-war, he continued as a vehicle body builder at Marshalls before working at the furniture shop John Blundells’ in Cambridge and King’s Lynn.

Ken married his wife Winifred in 1948, whom he had met at a wartime dance.

Ely Standard: Ken enjoyed special recognition from his great-grandchildren.Ken enjoyed special recognition from his great-grandchildren. (Image: Ness Court)

They went on to have two children, David, and Jani.

Sadly, Jani passed away in January 2022, followed by wife Winifred in December 2022, concluding a 74-year marriage.

Ken is a passionate West Ham football fan, influencing his son Dave’s career in football management and coaching.

As well as receiving the King and Queen’s birthday message, Ken enjoyed special recognition from his great-grandchildren Stanley (10), Ernie (9), Maggie (6), and Alfie (5) who presented him with a unique certificate for his ‘outstanding contribution to the world’.