Ten of the south's oldest residents, with a combined age of more than 1,000 years, gathered for a centenarian celebration.

The party, held at Colten Care's Kingfishers care home in New Milton was a chance for the centenarians to meet face-to-face, share stories, and reflect on their long lives.

Four residents from Kingfishers 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.

The guests, wearing Hawaiian-style flower garlands, enjoyed lunch and a live performance by entertainer Talisa Chalcraft.

Guests in garlands enjoy lunch and music at New Milton care homeGuests in garlands enjoy lunch and music at New Milton care home (Image: Philip Hartley) 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."

The gathering was also an opportunity for the centenarians to share their tips for longevity.

Anne Burchell, a former RAF flying officer who turned 100 earlier this year, said: "Never give up and don’t just sit around."

Avon Reach resident and former fashion model and dancer Erika Pillman, 100, said: "Dance and smile is always my advice for living to a great age."

Colten Care residents enjoy the centenarians’ party at Kingfishers care homeColten Care residents enjoy the centenarians’ party at Kingfishers care home (Image: Philip Hartley) 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."

At the close of the party, each guest was presented with a 1925 penny farthing coin as a keepsake of the celebration.

This 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.

Colten Care owns and operates 21 care homes in Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, and West Sussex.

Seven of these homes are rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.