HAVING been born in a leap year, Ronald Mustard only gets a birthday every four years – but thanks to the ingenious people at the care home where he lives, he has ‘travelled’ back in time to the age of 21 again.
Ronald moved into Orchard Care Homes group’s Archers Court near Sunderland just over a year ago. Recognising the unique milestone, the caring colleagues at Archers Court wanted to make Ronald’s 84th/21st birthday something a little special and hit upon the idea of theming a ‘back in time’ birthday party set in the era when he originally turned 21 … which is 1961.
Jack Taylor, general manager at Archers Court said: “We hope Ronald will be amazed to relive his original 21st birthday and we will do our best to bring back the atmosphere at the time.
“It certainly seems to have been a great time to be young, and we hope it will bring back great memories for him and the other members of our communities.”
Ronald’s 60’s-themed party will feature the sounds of the big hits of the year, including Let’s Twist Again by Chubby Checker, Stand By Me by Ben E King, Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles and Crying by Roy Orbison.
The entire home will take part, wearing 60’s inspired outfits and colourful tie-dyed t-shirts, go-go accessories and maintaining a groovy hippy theme – just like his original birthday 63 years ago. The last time Ronald turned 21, the big movies of the year were West Side Story, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Hustler and The Innocents.
In the news, Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space; John F Kennedy was sworn in as the 35th President of the United States and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) was started.