John still in charge of family firm at 100

John Gurney-Champion welcomed 70 family members and friends to a celebratory lunch at the family home at Blackwater on Saturday, ahead of his 100th birthday on Monday. Guests included his six children, 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, the youngest being Emily, aged just two months. Family from Australia and Holland had come over for the weekend celebrations.

Asked how he felt to be 100, John replied: “It feels no different than normal!” Among his many birthday cards, John received one from King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Although he has reached his century, John still remains in charge of the family law firm and retains a keen interest in gardening, poetry and the history of the family.