Jonathan Curwood pictured outside St John’s Parish Hall on the recent Visite Royale Picture: ROB CURRIE (01022067)

A FLEET of black limousines is a familiar sight at Visites Royale, the second of which took place in St Peter this week.

And a familiar face at these and other special events is chauffeur Jonathan Curwood, who is celebrating 35 years in the business.

Having started as a mechanic for Curwood’s Limousines as a 17-year-old, he had to wait until the age of 21 to take his Public Service Vehicle licence.

He has been driving for the company ever since and has progressed to become one of the Island’s most respected drivers.

After the Curwood family decided to sell the limousine business to Maillards in 2007, Mr Curwood stayed on at the business and continued to do the job he loves.

At the moment he is used as the favoured driver for the Bailiff, Michael Birt. Mr Birt is not the first Bailiff to request Mr Curwood as his driver. The previous three Bailiffs have all enjoyed his company on their many journeys around the Island.

Known as the fastest limousine driver because of his past interest as a motor sports enthusiast, Mr Curwood has experienced a full range of highs and lows during his illustrious career.

‘The worst incidents include a number of occasions when I had punctures or breakdowns on the way to big events, namely weddings,’ he said.

‘There were plenty of good memories though; a highlight was the day I drove a set of twins to their respective weddings at the same time.’

• Read more features in the Islanders section of the Jersey Evening Post, published most Fridays