100-year-old Brendon Cooke from Rownhams Manor care home in Southampton shared his remarkable memories spanning a century of Christmas celebrations, from childhood stockings to festive dinners on open waters.
Brendon grew up in a household where Christmas morning was filled with excitement. Brendon said, “We hung our stockings up on Christmas Eve and in the morning found them filled with nuts and tangerines,”
Presents from family were unwrapped, and Christmas dinner was a highlight of the day: “We always had turkey, delivered to our door by the butcher on Christmas Eve for my mother to cook. My father had buckets of water in the hallway filled with oysters. We always ate well at Christmas.”
Brendon began his maritime career as a cadet at 17 and spent over 40 years at sea in the Merchant Navy, meaning many Christmases were spent far from home — including in the Middle East, where alcohol was strictly prohibited.
Brendon explained, “We couldn’t drink there, so we put off our Christmas until we were back at sea. When we were in port, the police checked our cabins to make sure there was no drink!”
Once in international waters, the crew could finally celebrate. Brendon added, “Deck Officers always had gin, while the Scottish Engineers had a tot of whisky, of course. Christmas was always well celebrated in the Merchant Navy! We always had a turkey dinner at sea.”
Looking back on 100 years of turkey on Christmas Day, Brendon says he is opting for something different this year:
“I’ve had more than my fair share of turkey, so my daughter is under strict instructions to get beef for me this year. I will be toasting to my family with a tot of whiskey!”
You can meet Brendon and the other residents at Rownhams Manor during the home’s weekly Tea on Tuesday event, every Tuesday at from 10:30. Taking place at the home on Harrison Way in Rownhams (Southampton, SO16 8NG), all are welcome to join the residents and staff for homemade cakes and refreshments.
To find out more, call 02381102248, email [email protected] or visit www.crystalcarecollection.co.uk/care-homes/rownhams-manor/
