World's oldest triathlete opens Kingfisher Lodge care centre

Kingfisher Lodge care centre, in Saltford, was opened by Arthur Gilbert MBE, 91, the world’s oldest triathlete, and a recent Olympic torchbearer in Somerset.

Mr Gilbert began competitive racing after retiring from his job at the Westland Helicopter plant in Weston-super-Mare. He was handed the title of the world's oldest triathlete in December last year by The World Records Academy, having completed his 40^th triathlon.

Mr Gilbert was delighted to open the new home and cut the ribbon with Mike Parsons, Founder and Chief Executive of Barchester Healthcare. Guests enjoyed a Champagne reception, tours of the home and some marvellous canapés prepared by Barchester’s hospitality team.

Kingfisher Lodge will be home to adults of various ages with diverse needs and there is also a Memory Lane Community, which is a specially designed environment to provide dedicated care for those living with dementia.

Helen Bennett, General Manager at the new care centre, said: “The day has been a great success and I am happy that so many of the local community came along to show their support.

“I’d like to thank Mr Gilbert who is an inspiration to us all. He goes to the gym twice a week, cycles 25 miles every Sunday and swims 50 lengths every morning. At Kingfisher Lodge we will encourage our residents to have an active lifestyle and continue pursue and take up new hobbies.”