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Photographer to the stars celebrates 100th birthday in Ferndown
A former photographer who took images of celebrities including The Beatles, Rod Stewart and The Beach Boys has celebrated his 100th birthday.
A former photographer who took images of The Beatles, Rod Stewart and The Beach Boys among many others, celebrated his 100th birthday at Fairlawn care home.
Ron, who lives in the care home in Ferndown, was joined by his sons, Nick and Martin, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family for a party to mark his 100th birthday alongside the care home team.
The centenarian 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, Ron 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.
He 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.
They 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 run by the not-for-profit charity Care South. It provides residential, respite, and dementia care and features a range of communal lounges overlooking landscaped gardens. An activities team organise a daily programme of events to bring residents together to socialise and build friendships.
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