July 2014 – The Royal Star & Garter Homes is delighted to announce the 108^th birthday of Surbiton Home resident, Jack Ovens. Jack is believed to be the oldest man in Kingston borough.

Born in Teddington in 1906, Jack served in The Royal Dragoons between 1926 and 1932, starting as a Trooper, he was then promoted to Corporal of Horse. Jack, who first started looking after horses in the Army at the age of 18, was at one point in charge of 43 horses. In 1929, he was posted to Secunderabad, India, but was recalled during the Second World War, retraining as a tank driver and serving in Egypt and then Italy. Jack has lived at The Royal Star & Garter Homes since August 2012.

Jack’s love of horses is well-known at The Royal Star & Garter Homes so staff planned a couple of equine-related visits to bring a smile to Jack’s face. On his birthday, one of our volunteers, Irene Rowe, brought her horse, Lily, to the Home to meet Jack. The next day saw Jack visiting Imber Court to meet some of the mounted Police horses.

On his birthday afternoon, the Home organised a birthday party for residents, relatives and staff. Guest-of-honour, Jack, received a card from our patron, Her Majesty the Queen, and our warmest wishes. Happy birthday, Jack!

“The way you can tell if a horse likes you is if they nudge you with their nose.” Jack Ovens