‘So proud’ as Leighton Buzzard man Reg celebrates his 100th birthday!

Reg Kinnaird reached the landmark age on January 29, with fellow residents and staff at Laburnum Court retirement home sending him their congratulations.

The centenarian spent the special day with his daughter, Mary, who is in his support bubble, while he was delighted to receive a cake made by one of the residents, and of course, the all-important birthday card from Her Majesty The Queen.

Development manager at Laburnum Court, Rita Richardson, told the LBO: “Reg had a lovely day. He was thrilled with his card from the Queen and he had lots of other cards and gifts. He was quite overwhelmed.

“I only wish the times were different and we were able to give him a good celebration, but we will have to wait until the restrictions are all lifted and then organise one for him. What a great occasion. We are all so very proud of dear Reg at Laburnum.”

Reg’s family also wrote a short biography about Reg’s life, stating: “Ernest Reginald Kinnaird (aka Reg) was born on January 29, 1921 and brought up in Eastwood,

Essex.

“He was the second youngest in a family of ten, with six boys and four girls, living in a very small bungalow. They had a toilet at the end of the garden and several siblings shared bedrooms.

“Soon after Reg left school he joined Ekco Electrics (Essex) where he worked in the accounts department for over 40 years and he is very proud of his commemorative engraved gold

wristwatch.”

Later, Reg worked for a Dutch company, based in Essex, who supplied flower bulbs to Woolworths shops.

At the start of the war he moved to lodgings in Aston Clinton where he met his future wife, Peggy, whom he was married to for 71 years.

His family continued: “Reg married Peggy in Aston Clinton on June 1, 1942, before he joined the war effort.

“During the war he served in the RAF with 99 Squadron in India for three years, a time he loves to look back on and share his photos.

“After the war, he and Peggy returned to Essex where they brought up their son and daughter.

“About 20 years ago they moved to Leighton Buzzard to be near their daughter.”

Peggy and Reg were blessed with five grandchildren, and Reg now has 11 great grandchildren.

The family concluded: “Peggy passed away nearly seven years ago and, after a couple of years, Reg decided to move to independent living at Laburnum Court where he has been very happy, and under normal circumstances he enjoys many social activities with Rita and the residents.

“We feel Reg’s secret to a long life is that he has always kept active and busy, and was a keen gardener.”

Rita said: “Reg is a very popular resident of Laburnum Court, well loved by us all. He has a great character with a good sense of humour, and he’s a great inspiration to everyone. Reg is such an amazing and sociable man. He still goes out for a walk every day and comes down to the lounge and chats to any resident that happens to be about.

“He doesn’t have a carer and it’s not long ago that he gave up his car. Before the lockdown he was still going out for his shopping on the Buzzer Bus. I don’t know many people who reach 100 and are living independently.”

She added: “I’d like to say thank you to Reg for what he contributes to Laburnum Court. He’s an absolute asset.

“During Remembrance Sunday, we went outside for the two minute silence and Reg had his medals on. He’s such a proud man and so he should be.”