Isle Of Wight Care Home Resident Celebrates Remarkable 104th Birthday

Residents, relatives and staff at Orchard House Care Home have come together to celebrate the 104th birthday of resident Arthur John Cooke.

Arthur was born on 15 May 1922 in the village of Culworth, Northamptonshire, and has lived a life shaped by music, travel, family and horses.

His early years were spent around horses, influenced by his father, who was a professional jockey, horse trainer and farmer.

Arthur had his own horse, Tommy, and a dog called Buster, and would return home from boarding school during holidays to help on the family farm, which supplied milk to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Music later became a defining passion. Arthur went on to become a professional musician and drummer, performing internationally in countries including Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand. Before retirement, he served in the Royal Air Force.

Arthur met his wife Estelle after being introduced by her best friend while he was serving in the RAF.

The couple maintained a long-distance relationship while Estelle worked as a nurse in Essex.

They married on 16 May 1979 and later had a daughter, along with two children from Arthur’s first marriage. The family now includes two grandchildren.

After retiring, Arthur and Estelle moved to the Isle of Wight, where they have lived ever since. The couple are also set to mark their 47th wedding anniversary.

Speaking fondly of her husband, Estelle shared a personal nickname for him:

“I called him ‘Choy’ — meaning chop suey with rice and lots of noodles for a long life.”

The birthday celebrations at Orchard House included a homemade cake prepared by staff, with some team members giving up their day off to attend.

Staff described Arthur as a much-loved resident whose humour and life stories continue to inspire those around him.

The day marked not only his 104th birthday, but also a celebration of a life filled with travel, service, music and family.