William Derek Mottershead, known by his middle name ‘Derek’, is affectionately dubbed ‘Farmer Derek’ by residents and staff members at Roden Hall, having spent most of his life on a farm. Born in Wem, Shropshire, in 1922, Derek grew up on the Wainhouse Farm - a pig and dairy farm. Married at twenty-seven, Derek embarked on a life in Aberystwyth with his new wife, where he settled for eight years before returning to live on the farm following the death of his brother. Derek went on to have three children, eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Roden Hall celebrated the centenary birthday in the balloon-filled lounge, where residents and family members enjoyed a ploughman’s lunch, champagne, and a birthday cake. Derek was proud to receive a telegram from the Queen, a handmade card, and a hamper of goodies from residents and team members. When quizzed about his secret to long life, Derek replied, “Sweets, cakes and biscuits!”. On his birthday, his family took him for a picnic at Morton Corbert Parish Church, where he was once baptised, to hear the church bells ring one hundred times to mark his one-hundred-year milestone.
The Home Manager, Nina McPhee, said:
“We were delighted to unite Derek, his family, and fellow residents to celebrate such a special birthday. It’s not every day you turn one hundred, so we were sure to put on a fantastic party with delicious food and champagne. Derek is a real character and a valued member of the Roden Hall family. We hope he had a wonderful and happy day!”
Operated by award-winning Rotherwood Healthcare,
Roden Hall offers Residential and Nursing Care in luxurious surroundings. For more information, please contact the Home Manager, on
01952 743159.
