A 100-year-old man from Chesham says it felt "very good" to be surrounded by three generations of his family at a celebration of the landmark birthday today. 

Roy Thorn was born in Chesham in August 1924 and, a local man through and through, now lives at The Willow Care Home on Chartridge Lane.

He rang in his landmark birthday today, August 7, in good shape and high spirits – which his family attribute, among other things, to his keen sportsmanship and maintaining a rosy outlook on life.

The 100-year-old enjoyed a music performance, cake, and a card from King Charles to mark the occasion, keeping a smile on his face throughout the morning and describing the best part of the day as “seeing his family” – with whom he’s heading out for a curry dinner tonight as another birthday treat.

(Image: NQ)

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Just 15-years-old when World War Two broke out in 1939, relatives fondly recalled Mr Thorn’s stories about war-time Chesham – beginning with “finding an unexploded incendiary bomb on the walk home from school and setting it by the table as he had his tea” and ending with a stint in the Royal Air Force, which didn’t include any direct combat but did spark a lifelong love of flying.

He went on to work as a legal executive in London, before relocating to The Bury on Church Street, where he spent “the vast majority of his working life”.

Beyond his professional prowess, the 100-year-old has always had a penchant for the lighter side of life – with family and staff at The Willow attesting to his “cheeriness, great sense of humour and very active lifestyle”.

Mr Thorn was an avid tennis player until retiring just two years ago at 98 and was treated to a celebration at the Chesham Bois Club for his 90th birthday in recognition of his impressive membership, spanning more than 70 years.

(Image: NQ)

He was also a keen badminton player, still enjoys watching both sports on the TV, and, crucially, stepping back from the courts himself has not dampened his optimism or an enduring ability to find joy in the little things.

Sarah Braiden-Thorn, 37, described her grandfather as “a really positive person”, whose defining characteristic, among others, is his “sweet tooth”.

She said: “He’s always happy, especially to see the family – he has four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, so it just keeps growing and growing. That and his sense of humour keep him young – I’m not sure diet is a factor, though. He loves a bit of chocolate and a glass of Baileys.”

Robin Thorn, 71, also said his father was “very optimistic” by nature, and nephew Godfrey Reynolds, 81, added that his rosy disposition belied a nature of “resilience” that had seen him weather difficult times with ease.

Popular with care home staff, independent in his likes and dislikes and happiest at the centre of family life, Mr Thorn paints a hopeful picture of ageing gracefully and staying young at heart by any measure. Roll on, 101!