Former photographer to the stars celebrates 100th birthday at Ferndown care home

A former photographer to the stars has celebrated his 100th birthday with his family at a Ferndown care home.
Ron, who lives at Fairlawn care home, was joined by his sons, Nick and Martin, his grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family for a party to mark his special birthday alongside the care home team.

Ron grew up in London and worked as a professional photographer until he turned 71. He married his late wife, Joyce, in 1952. Together, Ron and Joyce bought a home together in Shepherd’s Bush near to the BBC Television Centre.

He served as a freelance photographer on BBC’s Top of the Pops from 1964 to 1974, alongside a number of other BBC shows including Parkinson. Over time he captured photos of The Beatles during their only live performance on Top of the Pops in 1966, as well as Stevie Wonder, Rod Stewart, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Jackson Five, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks and The Beach Boys.

Ron and Joyce enjoyed 75 years together, settling in Ferndown once Ron had retired after being advised of the stunning Dorset coastline by his fellow photographer friends. Joyce sadly passed away in October 2021, with Ron continuing to live independently before moving to Fairlawn care home.

His son, Nick, said: “He has always been a really fantastic dad and was so lovely to us growing up. He lived at home before he came to Fairlawn, and the whole team have been so good to Dad. He initially came to stay for two weeks and then never wanted to leave.”

Tina Vincent, Home Manager at Fairlawn, said: “Ron is a joy to care for and it was a privilege to welcome his family to join him to celebrate his 100th birthday, where they shared stories and fond memories of his personal life and professional career over the years. At Care South, we believe that residents’ lives should be filled with Fun, Food and Friendship, and that was certainly the case during Ron’s birthday celebrations.”

Fairlawn is a modern, welcoming Care South home for residential and dementia care in the heart of the Ferndown community. We are warmly welcoming new residents and inviting families and friends to share in the  Food, Fun and Friendship on offer at this much-loved Ferndown care home.