HC-One’s Foley Grange care home, in Kidderminster, buzzed with celebration as resident John Foulkes marked his 90th birthday on Friday, April 11.
Born in 1935, John has lived a remarkable life defined by adventure, resilience, and a love for life’s simple joys. At five, he began school in 1940, and by 15, he left to become an apprentice printer, training as a compositor – a trade that bookended his career.
That same year, he joined the Sea Cadets, and although he dreamed of enlisting in the Navy, his father insisted he secure a job first. In 1953, at 18, John’s naval dreams materialized with National Service in the Royal Navy.
For two years, he thrived, serving on an aircraft carrier, various ships, and even a submarine for a month. At 20, he transitioned to the Royal Marines, serving six years, including a stint in Oman in the Middle East, where a gunshot wound to the shoulder ended his military career.
Badly wounded, John returned home to recover and completed his apprenticeship. He retired in 1998 at 63, after decades with the Birmingham Post and Birmingham Mail.
John found love and companionship in 1955, at 20, when he met Marjorie, the aunt of a friend, who became his girlfriend while he served in the Navy. In 1956, they got married, and they were together for 42-years of marriage filled with holidays – Oban in Scotland being their favourite spot.
Although John was not much of a dancer, he fondly remembers Marjorie’s grace on the floor. The couple welcomed a son in 1966, and their home was often filled with beloved cats. Marjorie passed away in 2004, leaving John to navigate life without her.
John Foulkes, HC-One’s Foley Grange resident, said: “After Marjorie’s death, I couldn’t bear staying home alone. I got involved with Bewdley community transport and Kidderminster male choir.
“Later, I travelled the world with the choir to places like Australia, Canada, and Germany. In 2008, I became a Bewdley town councillor and served in the Mayor’s consort in 2011 under Mayor Jan Adams.
“My secret to a long and happy life is being in the services and Royal Navy. It has helped keep me fit and stay in good health.”
Holli Whitehouse, HC-One’s Foley Grange Wellbeing Coordinator, said: “John’s incredible journey, from his Navy adventures to his cherished moments with Marjorie, reflects a life rich with resilience and love, inspiring us all at Foley Grange.”
For more information about Foley Grange Care Home and upcoming events, please contact the friendly team on 01562 543 366, or email foley.grange@hc-one.co.uk.
Foley Grange is a residential and residential dementia care home located on Silverwoods Way in Kidderminster and rated 9.9/10 on the care home review site, Carehome.co.uk.
With 66 en-suite bedrooms and attractive décor, Foley Grange is proud to offer person-centred care in a dignified manner, promoting independence as far as possible.