“Lose your hearing!” – Tettenhall residents share secret to a happy marriage on platinum wedding anniversary

Love was well and truly in the air at a Tettenhall care home when two residents celebrated a very special milestone.  

Gordon Farquhar, aged 92, and his wife Kathleen, aged 96, toasted their 70^th wedding anniversary at Care UK’s Foxland Grange, on Wergs Road, on the 4^th April.   

The pair met at their local church one Sunday afternoon. Although both admitted it wasn’t love at first sight, the couple grew fond of one another on their weekly visits, where they would often sit next to each other.  

After a period of dating, the couple tied the knot on Saturday 4^th April, 1953, at Pinfold Street Methodist Church. Kath, who was a schoolteacher at the time, was surprised to find 30 of her pupils there on the big day, waiting to gift her presents as she walked down the aisle. With each step closer to her groom, Kath fondly remembers how the children gifted her horseshoes – with her final gift being a rolling pin from one cheeky pupil. 

The couple share two children, Stephen and Alison, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, who regularly visit Kath and Gordon at Foxland Grange. 

When asked the secret to a long and happy marriage, the duo agreed: “Recognise that you’re going to have disagreements, and these may lead to arguments – it’s inevitable after spending so long with each other. Make sure you communicate with one another and tolerate your differences. Failing that – lose your hearing so you don’t have to!”

Michelle Oliphant, General Manager at Foxland Grange, said: “At Foxland Grange, we know just how important it is to celebrate all of life's milestones, no matter how big or small. We felt honoured to be a part of Gordon and Kath’s special day. They are a beautiful couple with a wealth of knowledge about building a strong and happy marriage, which I believe we could all learn from – although I don’t want to lose my hearing just yet!

“The nostalgic atmosphere in the home encouraged residents to reflect on and share happy memories of their own weddings. It was truly a day to remember – congratulations Gordon and Kath!”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Foxland Grange, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The building has been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents. 

For more information on Foxland Grange, please call Director of Community Relations, Chelsea May, on 01902 275 507 or email Chelsea.May@careuk.com 

For more general information, please go to careuk.com/foxland-grange