‘LIVE as honestly as you can and take care of those closest to you.’

That’s the advice newly-turned 100-year-old Frank Daley for those who want to live a fulfilled life.

The centenarian shared his considered words as he celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends at Colten Care’s Canford Chase care home, in Poole.
After a morning Skype call with family well-wishers in Australia, Frank was the centre of attention at his party as performers arrived to entertain him and guests with music, dance and circus skills.

For residents and staff at the home, it was a chance to honour a man renowned for being sociable and having a sense of fun.

Frank cuts his special cake!

Frank was born in Southampton in 1923, the second youngest of eight brothers. The family lived in the city’s Long Cross Street, now a football pitch, and the birthday boy remembers the war vividly.

“When it came along in 1939, I was 16 years old,” he said.

“I remember the bombing raids on Southampton and the damage they inflicted, losing loved ones in the attacks.”

After a period in the Home Guard, where he learned how to use weapons such as a Lee Enfield rifle, Frank joined the Royal Navy and went on to serve for three years, seeing action against both the German and Japanese navies.

Later, in civilian life, he became a businessman, setting up and growing a number of engineering and tool manufacturing ventures.

He also worked as a consultant advising business owners on growth strategies.

Performers at Frank’s birthday included three artists from Poole-based aerial hoop class, Secret Circus, who performed while a relative of one of Frank’s fellow residents played trombone for him.

100-year-old Frank on his birthday at Canford Chase in Poole with Secret Circus performers, from left; Jennifer Durrett, Sarah Philips and Chloe Bradwell

Frank also enjoyed listening to a series of Matt Monro and Frank Sinatra swing-era hits sung by crooner Scott Free.

Companionship Team leader at Canford Chase, Vicky Day, said: “It was a great pleasure and privilege to wish the lovely Frank a Happy 100th Birthday in style. The day was filled with love, good wishes and talented performers.

“Frank is very sociable, recently took part in a karaoke session for World Music Day and had seen Secret Circus before and so we knew he would appreciate the music and artistry on display.

“We all joined in with the performances, following the movements, serenading Frank and singing and dancing the afternoon away.”

Canford Chase, in Western Road, Branksome Park, is an Outstanding care home rated by the Care Quality Commission.

Frank celebrating with friends and family.