Sidmouth friends raise a glass to toast Joe’s 104th birthday

Joe Daniels celebrated his 104th birthday at Fourways residential home on Glen Road in Sidmouth on Friday. Ref shs 08-16SH 5463. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Archant)

Joe Daniels was joined by friends and fellow Royal British Legion (RBL) members, who raised a glass of sherry in his honour at Fourways Residential Home.

Described as a ‘lovely gentleman’, Joe has lived in Sidmouth for around 33 years and moved to the Glen Road home in July. He said it was staff members there who helped make his birthday special.

Speaking about his longevity, the keen fisherman said: “Moderation is the key – everything in moderation.

“I was treating it [my birthday] just as another day - I never planned or organised or did anything whatsoever. It was the staff here who made it a huge success.

“I made a contribution by buying a couple of drinks and I enjoyed the day a lot. It’s very pleasant here, but it’s nice to see old friends.”

Joe said he had many adventures in the forces before settling in Dorset for a while. Then, one day, he packed his fishing rods and other essentials into his car and took off.

“I did not know where I was going, I just went and ended up in Sidmouth,” said Joe.

Speaking about his birthday celebrations, Fourways’ care manager Linda Grant said: “He was very happy because the RBL members all came up and his normal visitors.”

She added that Joe is a lovely gentleman and very independent.

Gill Vosper – the chef at Fourways – baked and decorated a fruit cake especially for him.

Joe’s nephews live abroad, but each sent him a bottle of his favourite tipple – whiskey – to mark his 104th birthday.

The veteran founded both Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary Probus Clubs in the 1980s, is a member of Sidmouth branch of the Royal British Legion and life member of the Royal Signals Association.