A resident at Old Charlton House Care Home in Cowes has celebrated his 100th birthday in style, enjoying several days of celebrations including a family gathering, live entertainment and a trip to a brewery where generous strangers treated him to free drinks.
Colin, who previously worked as an engineer specialising in steam and diesel engines, marked the milestone surrounded by family, friends and fellow residents.
During his working life, Colin travelled all around the world, while with his wife Daphne, his family grew to include 2 daughters, 4 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
His birthday celebrations began with a meal at the Blacksmiths Arms, where he was joined by 14 family members, before returning to Old Charlton House for cake and a family get-together.
On his actual birthday, Colin welcomed a steady stream of visitors, including 2 nephews who had travelled from Bedford and whom he had not seen for some time.
Among the many flowers, balloons and cards he received was a particularly special birthday card from King Charles III.
The afternoon saw Colin’s favourite entertainer, Dave, visit the home at his request, with residents enjoying an afternoon of singing, dancing and drinks. There was also another birthday cake to mark the occasion.
But the celebrations didn’t stop there, with Colin heading to Goddards Brewery in Arreton the following day alongside some of the other gentlemen from the care home.
While enjoying a flight of ale, Colin was surprised when a family sitting at a nearby table paid for his drinks.
In another unexpected act of kindness, a family at a neighbouring table bought him a bottle of ale to take back to Old Charlton House and enjoy later.
The generosity of complete strangers left the birthday boy particularly touched.
On the journey back to the care home, Colin joked that because they hadn’t spent any money on drinks, they could afford to return to the brewery the following week.
Staff at Old Charlton House say it was a wonderful few days of celebrations, with Colin thoroughly enjoying his milestone birthday and the kindness shown to him by those around him.
