Britain’s oldest travel agent Joe Langdell turns 90 on Monday – but has no plans to retire despite 50 years as a high-street retailer.
Joe works six days a week at Lancing Travel in Sussex, where his granddaughter Cheryl also works full-time and his great-granddaughter Lauren works part-time. His daughter Marolyn also works for the agency on an ad hoc basis.
“I am still slogging away and losing money,” joked Joe, who is managing director and majority shareholder in the business, part of Advantage. “I get so much enjoyment out of what I do.”
Joe, who plays golf every Sunday, plans to toast his big day with his staff. But it is unlikely the day will pass without bigger celebrations, he admitted. “It’s all a big secret but I know something’s going on because I’ve been told not to make any plans for Saturday night and to wear a nice suit.”
- Read our interview with Joe from last year
- Pics: Vintage travel ads and photos from Joe’s archive