Westward Ho! man celebrates 102nd birthday

Joseph Leonard Covell, affectionately known as Len, celebrated his remarkable 102nd birthday on 16 October, surrounded by family and friends at Primrose House Nursing Home in Westward Ho!

Born on 16 October 1922 in Soham, Cambridgeshire, to Florence and Charles Covell, Len grew up alongside his younger sister Margaret, fondly known as Peggy, who was born in 1926. 

Len’s early life was filled with fond memories of fishing trips with his father and learning French at the local grammar school, a language he still remembers today.

At 17, in 1939, Len began working on a hospital farm, caring for horses and performing farming duties. 

His career was soon interrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War. 

During the war years, Len met his first wife, Vera, who worked on a neighbouring farm as part of the Women’s Land Army. 

The couple married in 1945, after the war ended, and went on to have six children; two sons, Richard and Rob, and four daughters, Lisa, Theresa, Karen, and Tracy.

For 20 years, Len balanced family life and his career as a herdsman on various dairy farms. However, in 1965, his marriage ended, and he became a single parent to his four daughters, as his sons had already left home.

In the early 1970s, Len moved back to Soham to live with his mother and sister after his farming years came to an end. 

His mother, Florence, lived an extraordinary life herself, passing away at the age of 106. During this time, Len met his second wife, Mary, and the two were happily married for 30 years until Mary’s death in the early 2000s.

In 2003, Len began losing his sight due to glaucoma, and by 2004, he was completely blind. Despite this, he continued to live independently with the help of his guide dog, Joe. 

His positive outlook and determination to adapt to his circumstances were inspirational to those around him.

After Mary’s passing, Len remained in the family home, supported by carers. 

Due to ill health, he moved into a care home in Kent to be closer to family, and in 2021, he relocated to Primrose House in Westward Ho! to be near his daughters.

Throughout his life, Len’s family has grown to include 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. 

Sadly, he has outlived his two sons, Richard and Rob.

Staff at Primrose House describe Len as a “fun-loving character” who has never let life’s challenges dampen his spirit. 

He enjoys singing with his daughters, recounting cherished memories, and going on outings to local cafés and Bideford Quay, where he loves having scampi and chips.

Len’s extraordinary 102 years are a testament to his resilience, humour, and love for life, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who knows him.