News
Celebrating 108 Years
2 February 2010
Mr Walter ‘Reggie' Taylor, resident at James Terry Court, Croydon, recently celebrated his 108th birthday at the Home with a glass of champagne and his eighth birthday card from the Queen.
Mr Taylor, believed to be the oldest man in Croydon, credits his long life to having a positive attitude; "Optimism and keeping everything in moderation has kept me going" says Mr Taylor.
By keeping this principle Mr Taylor said "I enjoyed a nice beer when I was younger but have never been drunk and I certainly didn't have champagne on my 21st birthday". Mr Taylor stayed in shape by playing football, rugby and squash which he says has also helped him live longer.
A former Oxford University history student, Mr Taylor spent 50 years teaching in Kenya. He remained healthy and was still living alone, doing his own cooking and cleaning until last September. It was only after a fall that he moved from his home in Wales to South Croydon to be closer to his family.
