Closing weeks of 1899. The Mason family return from Ceylon to make a new life in the Victorian seaside town of Southport, in the north west of England. Sarah and Alexander Mason eagerly await the birth of their 2nd child, they hope will be a boy. William is born early on in the new century. Then in a local park Louisa, the Masons' lonely, confused little daughter meets, for the first time, a young ragamuffin called Millie. Their friendship will play an integral part in Louisa's life, albeit against the strong wishes of Louisa's father. Through family tragedy and two world wars, the Masons' lives unfold as generation after generation, chapter after chapter, the years finally lead up to 2000. A new year, a new century and a New Millennium. Only William Mason, born at the very start of the twentieth century, lives on. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren decide to give this grand old man a special treat to celebrate his 100 year birthday. They will give him the time of his life.