Man celebrates his 100th birthday with a card from King Charles

Bob, a lifelong resident of Teesside, celebrated his 100th birthday in style on Friday May 19 by receiving his special card from King Charles III. and Queen Camilla received and had his local MP and City Council come by with a celebratory cake.

A Grangetown native, the centenarian has witnessed the ever-changing world and has lived in his Teesville home with his 98-year-old wife Vera for over six decades.

Bob’s journey through life began when he took over his father’s coal business back when the industry was still heavily dependent on horses and wagons.

100 year old Bob Turner with his wife Vera and Jacob Young MP. Image: Office of Representative Jacob Young (Image: Office of Rep. Jacob Young)

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He later ventured into founding Turner’s of Grangetown Taxis, which became known for its transport services for special occasions such as weddings.

The respected taxi company once had the honor of providing urgent maternity transport to former Middlesbrough FC player and England co-manager Harold Shepherdson and his pregnant wife.

It’s not the first time Bob has received a card from the royal family. On their 75th wedding anniversary in December, both Bob and Vera received a special card to commemorate this milestone.

To celebrate Bob’s remarkable milestone, Redcar Conservative MP Jacob Young and Normanby Conservative Councilor Paul Salvin paid a visit to the Turner residence to personally offer their warm wishes and hear some stories from Bob’s life.

Birthday cake for 100 year old Bob Turner of Teesville. Image: Office of Representative Jacob Young (Image: Office of Rep. Jacob Young)

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The family cake was gorgeously decorated and featured a decorative coal man reminiscent of Bob’s workdays.

When Jacob Young met Bob, Vera and their daughter Janet on this momentous day, he said: “It was nice to meet Bob, Vera and Janet on this very special day.

“It’s fascinating to hear Bob tell me about his life, his work in the coal business, taxis and beyond. It’s amazing to be able to tell a story about a world that is very different from the one we live in today, and yet still exists in vivid memory – it’s really very special.

“It was an honor to meet Bob, Vera and Janet and to bring a birthday cake, although honestly mine was nothing compared to the cake Bob’s family had on display!

Bob received a birthday card from the king. Image: Office of Representative Jacob Young (Image: Office of Rep. Jacob Young)

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“I would like to thank the family for their generous hospitality and wish Bob a happy 100th birthday. And like I said to Vera: I would love to come back in two years for her 100th birthday!”

Bob, 100, said, “I don’t really know what to say other than a big thank you.”

Birthday card for 100 year old Bob Turner. Image: Office of Representative Jacob Young (Image: Office of Rep. Jacob Young)