“Keep the promises you make” – Frome care home resident reveals secret to a long and happy marriage on 69th anniversary

Sparks were flying at a local care home when two residents celebrated a very special milestone.

Kenneth Blundell, aged 93, and his wife Pamela, aged 91, toasted their 69^th wedding anniversary at Care UK’s Rossetti House, on Welshmill Lane, where Pamela lives.

The couple were both born in Plymouth and met as teenagers at St Gabriel's Church where for Kenneth said: “It was love at first sight”. Pamela was sceptical but, was soon won over after Kenneth showcased his chivalry on their first date, where they rode bikes across Dartmoor and he helped her carry her bike over obstacles.

The couple married 31^st July 1954, at the same church they met in as teenagers with 120 guests. Together, Kenneth and Pamela have three children, Mark, Gareth and Elizabeth, and have eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

When asked what the secret to a long marriage Kenneth said: “During a marriage, there are many ups and downs, but never stop loving and maintaining respect and remembering you are both equal in the relationship. Always remember that your partner is a gift to you so keep the promises you made to each other. My advice to young couples would be to value humour and forgiveness in relationships.”

To toast the special milestone, team members at Rossetti House decorated the home’s lounge with balloons, and the Head Chef cooked a meal which the couple enjoyed privately.

Phil Vale, General Manager at Rossetti House, said: “We regularly celebrate big anniversaries and understand the importance of maintaining relationships and marking life’s wonderful milestones. We were delighted to be a part of such a special moment for Kenneth and Pamela and provide them with a lovely celebration while reflecting on 69 happy years of 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 a joy to hear. Happy anniversary, Kenneth and Pamela!”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Rossetti House incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The building has been designed to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.