Hampshire residents celebrate more than 1,000 years of life

The seven women and three men, aged 100 or more, gathered over afternoon tea at Court Lodge home in Lymington. They are all residents of Colten Care homes in the South.

In the room, a staggering 1,005 years of life was represented.

The group included not just the hosts from Court Lodge, but also fellow residents from Colten care homes in Salisbury, Bournemouth, Lymington, and Brockenhurst, who were born in 1924 or earlier.

The afternoon was filled with stories of relatives, tours of duty in the armed forces, personal interests and early memories.

Ula Rigg, 101, of Braemar Lodge in Salisbury, said: "I presented the purse and then to my utmost horror I nearly fell down the steps because I was so excited.

"I wanted to get back to my mum."

Many of the attendees had seen their lives shaped by the Second World War.

Iris 'Margaret' Honeyman had a job at the foreign office, supporting the French Resistance with her duties.

"It was a very challenging job, but I enjoyed it," she added.

Another example from Boyd Salmon, an ex-Royal Navy officer, who was injured clearing enemy mines from a Dutch beach in 1945.

Post-war, he became a Chartered Engineer.

Now living at Court Lodge, he finds his care "very good" and the premises "comfortable".

Many of the centenarians shared their personal secrets to a long life.

Prominent advice came from Ethel Wise, a retired cook from Kent, said: "Hard work and a sense of humour."

Meanwhile, ex-nurse Diana Creasey emphasised the importance of an active lifestyle, a good diet and plenty of fresh air.

Reflecting on reaching 100, Iris said: "It feels no different but I do feel very proud to have made it to this age."

Court Lodge resident Enid Docker shared similar feelings, and added: "I feel safe here, being 100 and still being alive feels nice."

The home manager of Court Lodge, Rebecca Hannam, said: "It just goes to show that a great age is no barrier to making new friends."