Tipton care home celebrates resident’s remarkable 100th birthday

100 years young! Joan’s incredible journey from driving ten-ton lorries in WWII to celebrating her milestone birthday with family and friends in Tipton

From driving ten-ton lorries during the war to driving the hearts of everyone at Sundial Care Home, Joan has truly gone the extra mile – and now she’s parked at 100 years young, with her foot still firmly on the gas of joy.

Sundial Care Home, in Tipton St John, Devon, recently celebrated the 100 ^th birthday of Joan.

Joan was born in 1924, in Levenshulme, Manchester, where she lived with her stay at home mother, her father who worked for a cotton manufacturing company, and elder brother who attended Burnage High School.

After earning a scholarship to Manchester High School, Joan moved with her family to Stockport, where she chose to attend Stockport College to study bookkeeping, shorthand, and typing. She began her career at McVitie & Price and later worked for a coal firm until the Manchester Blitz forced her to relocate. At 18, Joan decided to serve her country, joining the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in 1942.

Joan completed an army driving course, mastering saloon cars, ambulances, and even ten-ton lorries. She quickly advanced in the ATS, becoming a teleprinter operator in the signals corps at the London War Office.

Joan played a key role in wartime communications during critical moments like D-Day, helping to relay secret information from the front lines. Despite the hardship of being separated from her beloved Reg, an RAF pilot, Joan remained committed to her duties. They reunited in London and married shortly after the war on September 1 1945.

Settling in Reddish, Stockport, they welcomed their son, Anthony, in September 1946, and daughter, Susan, in January 1950. Around this time, Joan received her war medal “in recognition of service in the War of 1939-1945”.

Joan and her husband Reg enjoyed their early retirement in North Cornwall, with their daughter Susan and her growing family. They helped run the site shop at a holiday park that Susan and her husband had recently purchased. To this day, Joan has had the pleasure of welcoming four grandsons, three great-grandsons and three great-granddaughters.

Now living at Sundial Care Home, Joan's remarkable journey continues to inspire those around her. Since her arrival, Joan has made many friends with fellow residents, who the home fondly refer to as family members. She enjoys participating in the homes activities, spending time in the garden and her regular visits from Susan, who often enjoys participating in the homes regular events.

Sundial Care Home organised a 100th birthday party for Joan, celebrating with a beautifully decorated cake made by care assistant, Sue Smith. She also received handmade birthday cards from the children at Tipton St John Primary School and her friends at Sundial, along with her Congratulatory Birthday Telegram from King Charles and Camilla. As Joan celebrates this day, she continues to thrive, surrounded by care, warmth, and the sense of community.

When asked Joan said her secret to a long life is: “Smiling lots” she said “I’m very grateful to have made it to 100.”