Eighty-four years on the road for Riddlesden motorist Arthur (From Keighley News)

Eighty-four years on the road for Riddlesden motorist Arthur

8:57am Thursday 27th September 2012 in News

Age is no barrier to Riddlesden motorist Arthur Whitaker.

He clocked up his 100th birthday on Monday but still enjoys getting behind the wheel of his car.

He regularly uses his Seat Arosa to attend lunches at Keighley Golf Club, where he has been a member since 1957.

Arthur, of Bradford Road, said: “I started driving a motorcycle when I was 16. It was a Royal Enfield two-stroke. I can’t remember what my first car was but almost every job I’ve had involved driving. I used to do 45 to 50,000 miles every year as part of my job. I drove to Scotland and back.

“I can do without my car now, but I don’t want to. I’m still driving and I’m still capable. There are some clowns on the road though.”

Mr Whitaker was born in Earby and spent all his working life as an engineer, serving clients in the textile industry.

He began his career in a blackmiths shop with Electrical Products Colne Ltd, where he was promoted to director.

He worked full-time until he was 69, then continued in part-time employment for Richard Craven Electricals, in Dalton Lane, Keighley, until he was 76.

Mr Whitaker has lived in Keighley since 1958 and he met his future wife, Gwen, at a cafe in the town centre.

He played golf until he was in his early 90s and still goes to the Keighley club for social functions.

A spokesman for the club said: “Arthur joined in 1957 and was a keen golfer who played off a handicap of 12. He was a very active member, being house chairman during the early 1980s.

“He is a regular attendee at our Friday Lunch Club, which celebrated his birthday with a special lunch in his honour.”