103-year-old man samples favourite tipple at Brook View

Former army officer, Richard Earnshaw, 103, is enjoying the taste of best bitter at West Moors home Brook View where he moved earlier this year.

Run by family-owned Colten Care, the home has a partnership with Ringwood Brewery featuring flagship beers on the menu and tasting sessions led by brewing experts.

Richard was among a group of residents, relatives and friends hearing about the art of Razorback best bitter making from brewery representative, Haydn McCarthy.

Born in London during the First World War, Richard remembers having his first pint of beer on the way to see an Arsenal match with his father and grandfather.

After working in a local government architects’ office, he joined the army in World War Two as a supply clerk, serving in India and rising to become an officer in the Royal Indian Artillery.

But it was not until Richard and his wife Katherine moved to Dorset in 1984, after his civilian career as a senior NHS administrator, that he tried Ringwood

Brewery’s best bitter and declared it his favourite tipple.

Sarah Harley, from Brook View’s Companionship Team, said, “We want all our residents to continue enjoying the good things in life that they love, in a safe, responsible environment. It’s lovely to see Richard having a sip of his favourite tipple at the age of 103.”

Founded in 1978, Ringwood Brewery produces 40,000 barrels – or 12.1 million pints – of beer every year. Its best bitter is now available as the Razorback brand.