Cubbington care home resident John celebrates 107th birthday

John Farringdon was born in Enfield, London, on June 7 1913 and at the age of 16 got a job in Upper Thames Street as an apprentice repairing typewriters.

He travelled all over London repairing typewriters ultimately getting a job at Ford in Dagenham, Essex 1934-1942 as a resident typewriter mechanic.

In 1942, Ford offered John a job in Leamington making tank tracker assistance for the army, so he moved to the town and continued to work for the company for 40 years before coming to Cubbington Mill, where he is enjoying a new chapter of his life.

As John was unable to have any visits from relatives he celebrated with his Cubbington Mill family as well as Daughter and Son-in-law through Skype.

The staff at Cubbington Mill have said: “John is fantastic, he makes us laugh every day and it’s wonderful to be with him on this very special day to say just how proud he makes us feel.”

For his birthday John received yet another telegram from the Queen in recognition of this landmark birthday.

A champagne reception was held at the home and a special birthday cake was made by the home’s chef Oliver Hopkins.

John received a whopping 256 cards from the local community.

The team at Morrisons in Leamington donated birthday decorations, cards and cakes to celebrate John’s day as well as gifting a blanket and bottle of whiskey.

PCSO Sharron Underwood and PC Amy Paull from The Kenilworth and Warwick Rural Police team wished John a happy birthday and bought him a card.

Long-term employer Ford also celebrated John reaching this fantastic age by featuring him in their worldwide newsletter, as well as sending a letter of congratulations from company executive and Ford family member Elena.

John thoroughly enjoyed receiving every letter and postcard sent to him while sharing the bounty of his treats with other residents and staff.

He: “It’s so lovely that I have received letters and birthday cards from the local community.

"It’s truly heart-warming that people care so much.

"It’s made my day.”

Julie May, general manager at Cubbington Mill, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable man as he reaches this amazing milestone.

"John is such a popular resident who always has an interesting tale to tell, and we look forward to hearing many more as the years go on.

"We are all truly thankful and feel very humbled to receive support like this from the local community.

"Some gifts were from people who don’t even have family at here at the home.

"The team work tirelessly, continuing to ensure residents are happy, engaged and connected, which is more important now than ever.

"We hope that these new friendships will continue beyond the current situation, and we just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who made John’s day so special due to their kindness”