Ten of the south’s oldest residents, with a combined age of more than a millennium, came together to talk about their long lives.
The centenarians’ party, at Colten Care’s Kingfishers care home in New Milton, Hampshire, was a chance to get to know one another face-to-face, share stories and reflect on youth, adulthood and ageing.
Four Kingfishers residents acted as hosts, welcoming four visitors from Lymington home Court Lodge and one each from Dorset homes Castle View in Poundbury and Avon Reach in Mudeford.
Wearing Hawaiian-style flower garlands presented to them on arrival, guests enjoyed chatting over lunch and listening to a gentle soundtrack of songs performed live by visiting entertainer Talisa Chalcraft.
Court Lodge resident John Woodley, 102, the only man at the event, said: “I felt a little outnumbered, but I thoroughly enjoyed the celebrations and appreciated all the thoughtful things that had been organised.”
Anne Burchell, a former RAF flying officer who also lives at Court Lodge and turned 100 earlier this year, said: “It was great to see so many people together who are 100 or over. If there’s another party like this in the future, I’d love to attend.”
The gathering was an ideal opportunity for the centenarians to share their tips for longevity.
Anne said: “Never give up and don’t just sit around.”
Avon Reach resident and former fashion model and dancer Erika Pillman,100, said: “It was a lovely afternoon spent with beautiful people. ‘Dance and smile’ is always my advice for living to a great age.”
Pat Dartnell, 102, who lives at Kingfishers, said: “Have fun, enjoy the good things while you can and drink a glass of wine every day.”
Margaret Honeyman, 101, from Court Lodge, who has always loved sport, especially tennis, said her advice was to “stay healthy, eat healthily and enjoy the simple things in life.”
Kay Karnhem, 100, from Kingfishers, said: “It was a day to remember. Meeting the other centenarians was incredible.”
Former ballerina Enid Docker, 100, from Court Lodge, said: “It was a lovely celebration and I especially enjoyed all the dancing on the day.”
Freda Wade, from Castle View, said: “I had an amazing day. It was a lovely afternoon tea celebration.”
At the close of the party, each guest was presented with a 1925 penny farthing coin as a keepsake of the celebration.
It was the second year in a row that Colten Care has staged a centenarians’ lunch.
In summer 2024, ten residents aged 100 or more and representing care homes in Salisbury, Bournemouth, Lymington and Brockenhurst, came together for afternoon tea at Court Lodge.
Across Colten Care’s 21 homes in the south, there are currently 49 residents aged 100 or more. The oldest is Sybil Davies who lives at Bourne View in Poole and is 106.
