Former teacher celebrates his 100th birthday with family party

100th birthday of Robert Keyworth, at Rose Cottage Broughton, with his family (Image: Archant)

The former seaman was greeted by family and friends as arrived at the party on August 1, before blowing out the candles on his triple-figure cake.

“I’m bewildered,” he said.

“The world has passed me by and I’ve had a very quiet life, a very pleasant life.”

Mr Keyworth was born in Sheffield in 1916, son of a railway man, and grew up there before heading to university to train as a teacher.

After struggling to find work after he qualified, Mr Keyworth decided to sign up for the Navy, serving in the Second World War as an instructor officer and later as a Lieutenant Commander.

He also met his late wife, Vera, while in service, before marrying her in 1944 and raising two children.

“It’s quite an emotional day and it’s just great to see so many people here,” his granddaughter, Marie, 29, said.

“It’s wonderful. Lots of people don’t get to see him that often so it’s a good opportunity for everyone to be together. He’s so mentally with it and has an amazing sense of humour.

“I think some elements of my sense of humour come from him.”

Mr Keyworth has travelled the world with his family, living in Wales, Portsmouth and even Malta.

Heading back to teaching though, he left the Navy in 1971 and taught youngsters in Chichester before retiring and moving to Longstanton to be nearer his grandchildren.

Mr Keyworth arrived at Rose Cottage in 2012, and is known for being especially good at their monthly quiz.

Richard, his son, 67, said: “He has been very happy here at Rose Cottage – it’s a lovely place.

“He’s very sharp and my wife and my wife and I rely on him to win the monthly quiz and give us a bottle of wine when he wins. He has a very wide knowledge and is sharper than he appears.”

Rosa Teoli, deputy manager at the home, added: “He has a very dry sense of humour, is fiercely independent and will not be ignored.”