Roland Trevor Burrell, affectionately called "Buzz", is a cherished resident at SwanCare Bentley Park. His life's journey spans remarkable chapters, from serving in the Air Force to living a timeless love story and even winning the lottery, each an experience uniquely his own. 

Early Years 

Buzz was born on the 15th of February 1938, in Wisbech, East Anglia, England. He grew up with three brothers and one sister, enjoying a childhood full of joyful memories that he is now writing about in a book. He was an active Boy Scout and attended a World Jamboree at Sandringham, where he had the opportunity to meet King George VI. Additionally, Buzz was very active in the St. Peter's Church choir. 

Life took a turn when Buzz lost his father at just 15 years old. Determined to forge bis own path, he told his mother he would join the Royal Air Force, and he did. For the next ten years, Buzz served his country, travelling to places like Malaya during the Suez Crisis and spending three years stationed at Butterworth. 

A Love Story Across Continents 

While serving, Buzz often wrote letters to his uncle in Australia. One day, a young woman named Shirley began replying to his letters. What started as a simple exchange blossomed into a two-year pen-pal romance. Buzz flew to Kununoppin, Western Australia, for Shirley's 21st birthday, where he met her family and proposed to Shirley. Six months later, they were married on the 22nd of April 1961 in a small country church, surrounded by the entire town. They fondly recall their three honeymoons in Perth, Adelaide and Malaya! 

Ten Pound Poms Adventure 

After their wedding, the couple returned briefly to Malaya before moving to England. W11en Buzz was medically discharged from the Air Force due to hearing loss, finding work in England proved difficult. So, they embraced a bold new chapter as Ten Pound Poms, paying just ten pounds each to migrate to Australia by ship. Their three-week voyage from England through the Suez Canal all the way to Fremantle was an adventure of a lifetime for Buzz. 

Building a Life in Australia 

Buzz spent a year working alongside Shirley's father before dedicating 15 years to fanning. When drought struck in the 1970s, he shifted careers, becoming a truck driver in Perth and later spent two decades with Mercer Mooney, one of Australia's leading fresh produce distributors. 

Along the way, the couple raised two sons and one daughter and today their family has grown to include nine grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. 

One of Buzz's proudest moments came in the J 990's when a simple $1 scratchie turned into a $25,000 win, allowing them to pay off their mortgage, a milestone that gave them financial freedom for life. 

Essence of Community 

Buzz and Shirley spent 17 wonderful years in Cranbrook, where Buzz volunteered for the local newsletter and was even nominated for Australian of the Year. "We were surrounded by lovely people," he recalls. "We had a nice life there." 

In December 2023, they made the move to SwanCare Bentley Park, following in the footsteps of Shirley's sister. "I've enjoyed every minute here," Buzz shares. "The community is wonderful; I can't fault it. I love tl1e banter with everyone, and all our neighbours have been so warm and accommodating. This is the essence of living in a good community." 

Since settling in, they've come across some familiar faces, like a couple and another lady from Shirley's hometown and even Buzz's former boss now calls SwanCare home! Seeing these familiar connections instantly made them feel like they truly belonged. Recently, their daughter Joanna has also joined the SwanCare community, making it even more special. 

Fun Fact: Every Friday, you'll find Buzz and Shirley at Friday Night Chase. 

Looking Back 

Buzz reflects on a life well-lived, "I've had a great life. I have a great wife; my kids have been great to me and I've been very lucky." 

When Buzz was asked about the secret to a long, happy life, Shirley laughed and said, "Me looking after him!" Together, they've travelled extensively across Asia, enjoyed countless picnics and fishing trips and shared a love that has lasted more than 64 years. 

lf you spot Buzz around the village, don't hesitate to stop and say hello, he's always up for a good yarn and a laugh. Spending a few minutes with Buzz is guaranteed to brighten your day. 

Thank you, Buzz, for sharing your incredible life story with us. We 're honoured to have you and Shirley as part of our community.