Twin brothers celebrate 100th birthdays together

Bill Casey and his brother Jack celebrated their milestones at retirement development Williams Place, where Bill lives.

As well as his brother, Bill was joined by wider family, friends, and neighbours for a party in the development’s communal lounge, with cake and drinks as the pair shared memories.

On reaching his 100th birthday, Bill said: “I always intended to reach 100 and now it’s here, I’m looking forward to the next 100.”

Bill Casey (right) and his brother Jack with their birthday cards from the King (Image: McCarthy Stone) Bill was born in Wandsworth, south London, with his younger brother Jack following shortly afterwards.

He said: “I’m the oldest twin by 10 minutes.”

When asked what his secret to reaching his 100th birthday was, he said “clean and healthy living, staying active, sheer determination, and good genes” are key.

Having worked in the motor trade for several years, obtaining an engineering qualification in the process, he and his brother joined the army in 1945 as members of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

They spent 15 months in Malaysia, with Bill confessing they “got up to lots of tricks being identical twins”.

Bill met his wife, Joan, at Butlins near Pwllheli, Wales, in 1951, and they married in Cirencester in 1953 before welcoming their son, Martin, in 1955.

Bill Casey (left) with his twin brother Jack (Image: McCarthy Stone) The couple settled in Sutton, Surrey, where Bill worked as a skills and training instructor for the government.

He later became a qualified member of the Institute of Training Officers before retiring as a manager in 1984.

These days, he enjoys a quieter and more artistic life, having taken up painting in retirement and making time for his health, with 20 minutes of exercise daily.

He credits living at Williams Place with providing “a good balance between being independent and having support when needed”.

Nina Woodbridge, estate manager at Williams Place, said: “Bill is such a warm and friendly member of our lovely community, having lived here for five years.

Bill Casey and Jack’s birthday cakes (Image: McCarthy Stone) “He’s got a great sense of humour and loves having a laugh with the team and his neighbours.

“We’re so happy to share his special day with Bill and his brother.”

Looking back, Bill said the computer is the most important invention he has seen in his life with its “amazing possibilities,” and when asked what advice he has for younger people, he added: “Have an interest in sport – particularly cricket. And keep yourself active.”

Williams Place offers extra care housing and is designed specifically for over-70s.

It provides on-site care and support packages to assist those needing additional help, as well as other on-site facilities.