The mayor of Shildon Henry Nicholson and his consort, Pat, called on Joe Tarn, a true gentleman, at his home in Escomb Road, Bishop Auckland on Thursday 12th February, to congratulate him in reaching the remarkable age of 100.
Joe Chipchase Tarn was born in Busty Terrace, Shildon and attended Shildon Council School. At 15 he became an errand boy for Walter Wilsons in Church Street, delivering groceries on his bike.
When he was 16 his dad got him a job at Shildon Wagon Works, where he stayed until he retired at 65.
Joe met his wife, Vera Hall from Freville Street at Eldon Swimming Baths. They were married in the Wesleyan Church in Main Street in 1940. Vera passed away 18 years ago. The couple were known as Mr & Mrs Red Cross, as they ran a voluntary service from a depot in Burke Street.
People would contact Joan and Joe would deliver the wheelchairs, a service they performed for around 25 years.
The couple moved to Windsor Terrace, living in the same house for 73 years until Joe moved eighteen months ago to Escomb Road, Bishop Auckland, to be near his only daughter, Jennifer. Joe has two grandchildren Joanne and Christopher and one great grandchild Neve.
In earlier times Joe was on the committee at the BR and ran the football team.
He celebrated his day with a special lunchtime meal with family at Auckland Castle. Then on Saturday 14th February he went for another meal with family and friends at Headlam Hall, Gainford.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
