Former Cosford airman Gordon celebrates his century
Former RAF foreman Gordon Garbett who trained at Cosford on Spitfires and Hurricanes celebrated his centenary in style with a buffet party – and a cake topped with an aeroplane.
Gordon, a resident at Homestead Care Home at Brownhills, showed his keen sense of humour by putting his longevity down to "not being nagged".
Born in Wednesbury on May 5, 1921, he is the last surviving of four brothers.
At 17-years-old he decided to go into the RAF and "loved anything to do with planes".
After training in Shropshire, he spent most of his service in Nairobi and was finally made up to the rank of sergeant.
When he left the service he started work at a tyre shop and later became manager of a paint shop.
Gordon then went on to making furniture at Hill's Furniture Stores, where he stayed until his retirement.
He enjoyed many hobbies, including motorcycles and golf, a game he continued to play well into his 80s.
Gordon was also an accomplished musician and used to play the piano for three hours everyday until about ten years ago.
He said: "I enjoyed getting a card from the Queen and the party."
Alexandra Rogers, the 30-year-old manager at the home, said: "We held a party for staff and residents and his nephew Tony Garbett and his wife, Maisie, who also live at Brownhills, came along.
"He enjoyed the buffet and music and Gordon was even dancing in his chair.
"He also joked that he was disappointed that there was no money with the Queen's card.
"Gordon really enjoyed himself and the cake was topped with an aeroplane.
"He stayed up late and was still eating chocolate at 10pm."
