Care Home Resident Celebrates Birthday in Classic Jaguar, 76 Years After Beginning his Apprenticeship with the Manufacturer  

Signature at Banstead resident Joe Bell celebrated his 90th birthday in style with the help of his favourite classic car.

Fulfilling a long-held dream, Joe was given the perfect present, where he was surprised with a chauffeur to take him on a scenic drive to the RAC club in Epsom, in a Jaguar XK120, his favourite car.

It paid homage to a long relationship Joe has enjoyed with Jaguar where he took an apprenticeship at the age of 14. His career at Jaguar continued, where he eventually progressed to running a garage in Exeter.

As part of his birthday celebration, he later returned to the luxury care home where he lives with his wife Dorothy to continue celebrations over lunch and a champagne party with the help of friends and family on February 22nd.

Reflecting on his trip, Joe said: “I had always driven a Jaguar, so to have a birthday treat such as this one fulfils one of my dreams.”

Tamara Juckes, Activities Co-ordinator at Signature at Banstead, said: “Joe has been living here since September, and it was lovely to make his first birthday with us a special memory for him and his family.”