TWO members of Winterslow Friendship day centre were the stars of the show on Tuesday last week, when they were presented with baskets of flowers to mark their hundredth years.

Hylda Knight will be 100 on July 23 and Connie Perry on December 4, and organisers seized the occasion of the centre's annual summer party to celebrate the two birthdays.

The party was to be held in the garden of chairman Brenda Gates's home, but heavy rain forced organisers to retreat to Winterslow Methodist Church hall, the centre's regular venue.

Mrs Gates said it was "quite something to have two ladies in their hundredth year in one small group".

"What two lovely members they are," she said. "They are super ladies.

"I meet Hylda shopping with her mobile shopping trolley - she gets the bus in and back.

"And Connie has told me so much about my house, as she used to work there - she is bounding with energy."

Both women say the secret of their long lives is keeping active.

"I've always been energetic and enjoyed sport," said Hylda, who has one son, two grandchildren and a two-week-old great grandson.

"Every minute of the day has been occupied and I've enjoyed tennis, badminton, swimming, diving, horse-riding and making things."

Connie agreed.

"I've always loved dancing and sport," she said.

Both women enjoy the day centre and never grumble, said centre organiser Mary Robinson, who gave Connie her flowers.

Deputy organiser Mary Boxall presented Hylda with her flowers.

Mrs Gates said the centre, which was founded in 1991, has 17 members and would welcome more from Winterslow and surrounding villages.

"And we always welcome more volunteers and drivers," she said.