‘Find a common interest’ – The secret to a long marriage according to Maidstone residents

Love was in the air at a local care home when two residents celebrated a very special milestone. 

Ruth Niblett, aged 89, and her husband, Donald, aged 90, toasted their 65^th wedding anniversary on 26^th July at Care UK’s Invicta Court, on Gidd’s Pond Way, where they both live.

It was love at first sight when Ruth and Donald met at a bellringing event, a common social activity during 1954 in Oxford. Ruth, who was a physiotherapist at St Mary’s Hospital, was taught to ring bells by her brothers, Robin and David, while Donald, who enjoyed a career as a steel research fellow, was taught to ring bells at Mickleton. 

With a shared interest in bellringing, it wasn’t long before the bells were ringing at their own wedding on 26^th July 1958 in Rye. Although the weather on the day started off overcast, the couple recalled fondly how the sun appeared the moment they left the church. 

Ruth and Donald have two children together, Peter and Elizabeth, four grandsons, Sam, Guy, Ben, and Alex, and one great-grandson, Matt. 

Commenting on the secret to a long and happy marriage, the couple agreed: “Find a common interest with each other and you’ll always have something to talk about and enjoy together.”

To toast the special milestone, Invicta Court’s team decorated the home’s private dining room with balloons and banners, and the home’s Head Chef, prepared a three-course meal which the couple enjoyed with their family. 

Sara Barbosa, Home Manager at Invicta Court, said: “We regularly celebrate big anniversaries and understand the importance of maintaining relationships and acknowledging life’s milestones. We were honoured to be a part of such a special moment for Ruth and Donald. They are truly inseparable, and we can all learn a thing or two from their long-lasting marriage.   

“Marking such a special occasion at the home allowed many of the residents to reminisce and share fond memories of their own wedding days, which was lovely to hear. Happy anniversary, Ruth and Donald!” 

Invicta Court offers a full range of permanent residential care and short-term respite in luxurious surroundings, including a café, hair and beauty salon, bar and cinema. The highly trained, professional team also delivers specialist dementia care.