TWO Oxfordshire centenarians have shared their tips for a long life.

Brigadier Rupert Crowdy, who was made an OBE in recognition of his work during the Berlin Airlift in 1949, celebrated his 100th birthday at the Cotswold Home in Bradwell Village, near Burford, yesterday.

Residents gathered for a champagne reception and to enjoy birthday cake.

A special party has also been organised by his three daughters, Sue Charlton, Jill Cross and Phillipa Brooke, for today.

The Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire is among invited guests, and is expected to present Brigadier Crowdy with a letter from the Queen.

Brigadier Crowdy, said: “I am utterly spoilt at the home, everybody is so kind. I am overwhelmed.

“I have had 66 years of very happy family life, with a close family and a very supporting wife and mother to my three children.”

Sharing his secret to a long and happy life, he said: “I have worked hard, played hard, drunk enough and lived within my means. You should live to the limit and know your limitations.”

Brigadier Crowdy was born in Buckinghamshire. He spent a total of 35 years in the army.

He joined the Northumberland Fusiliers when he was 18 and within 18 months was accepted into Sandhurst on a scholarship. He later joined the Indian Army with the 17th Dogra Regiment and joined the British Army in 1947.

The Brigadier lived in The Lanes, in Bampton, before moving to the Cotswold Home six years ago, where he is chairman of the residents’ committee.

General manager Sue Stannard said: “He is an inspiration. He is kind, thoughtful and has a really good sense of humour.”

Gladys Hawkins also enjoyed a glass of bubbly with friends and family to celebrate her 100th birthday on Thursday.

The grandmother-of-three received dozens of cards from wellwishers at Meadow View Nursing Home, in Rack End, Standlake, where she has been a resident for 18 months.

Mrs Hawkins was born in Doncaster, Yorkshire and spent most of her life in Barnsley. She moved to Oxfordshire to be closer to her daughters Julia Smith and Barbara Chapman.

Mrs Hawkins insisted the secret to a long life was taking everything in moderation.

She said: “The secret is moderate behaviour, keeping busy and working hard. I went swimming until I was over 80.”

Mrs Hawkins, who still plays the piano and enjoys games of dominos, said: “I try to keep myself occupied; I think that’s the most important thing.”

Mrs Smith, 66, said of her mother: “I think she has done remarkably well to live to this age as she has had one or two falls. But she seems to recover every time.”

Mrs Chapman, 63, added: “She has been a great mum – and still is.”