Slade family celebrations at the Bedford Hotel

A MAN, whose family have lived in Sidmouth since 1316, celebrated his 80th birthday in town on Saturday.

Donald Slade enjoyed a party with wife Cora, son Christopher; who travelled from The Hague, daughters Shelagh and Lisa, family and friends at The Bedford Hotel.

Born at Riverside Road, in the home where his parents, Hilda and Albert Slade lived, Don’s family is closely related to the Dagworthy and Dean families, who ran garage businesses in the town.

His father was the first person to have a driving licence in Sidmouth and was a chauffeur with Dagworthy.

Don’s wife Cora had invited Don’s many friends, including Tom Griffiths, Beryl Slade and Rosemary Ginger (Dean).

Sidmothian Don, who went to The King’s School, first worked with W H Smith before becoming home, then export manager with Deeko paperware company.

He and Cora, who comes from Dublin, were married in 1960 and when Don set up his own company, Ryan Slade International in St Albans, they lived in Hertfordshire until retiring back to the family home in Sidmouth 13 years ago.

“Don has travelled to many places abroad and worked with Arthur Lowe and Roy Castle in the ‘70s,” said Cora, who said his parents were proud of their son for his career achievements.

A keen cricketer in younger days and a member of the MCC, Don has enjoyed matches at Lords over the years.