A SOLIHULL resident has credited cycling and his family for helping him reach his 100th birthday.
John Frank Cordwell was born on October 24 1923 in Whittington near Coleshill.
The family moved to Miller & Carter (then The Three Maypoles) in Solihull and his family was the first tenant landlords.
John left school at 14 and joined Rapid Magnets where he was allowed out on day release to study at the local college.
One of John’s greatest hobbies was cycling having joined Solihull Cycling Club where he took part in many races and events being held by the Club.
The bike was kept in his bedroom at The Three Maypole’s and because the corridor was so long, he used to cycle along it and then down the stairs.
He thought nothing of cycling to the south coast on a day trip at a weekend and used his bike for transport to and from work.
To celebrate his 100th birthday, John, his wife Rita their daughter Nicola and son-in-law David traveled around Solihull visiting his own haunts.
They had lunch at Miller & Carter, and spoke to the new landlord Andy about the pub.
John said: “It’s been wonderful to reminisce today and visit all of the places I’ve lived and worked throughout the Borough.
“I have some of my fondest memories in the pub with my parents and it was great to come back and visit and take a trip down memory lane.”
