“Don’t keep secrets” – Newmarket couple married 65 years share their advice

Love was in the air at a Newmarket care home when a couple celebrated a very special milestone.

Rick Harris, aged 90, and his wife, Madge, aged 93, both residents at Care UK’s Kentford Manor, on Jeddah Way, toasted their 65^th wedding anniversary at a special celebration.

To mark the occasion, the home’s Head Chef prepared a private meal in the home’s lounge, which had been decorated with balloons and old photos of the couple.

When asked what the secret to a long marriage is, Rick said: “Don’t keep secrets. You need to maintain mutual respect by always being kind to each other. Kindness goes a long way!”

Rick was born in Newmarket and Madge was born in Maynooth, Ireland, before relocating to Newmarket. The couple met on a blind date and spent the night dancing together.

After a few years of dating, the couple married on the 27^th September 1958 at their local church with a few family and friends. Together, Rick and Madge have two children, Ian and Moira, two grandchildren, Rebecca and Lauren, and two great-grandchildren, Edie and Suzi, who regularly visit the pair at Kentford Manor.

Dennis Green, Home Admissions Advisor at Kentford Manor, said: “Rick and Madge are a wonderful couple and bring much joy to everyone at Kentford Manor. We were delighted to be part of such a special moment for them as a couple as they marked 65 years of marriage and help give them the celebration they deserve.

“Here at Kentford Manor, we always enjoy celebrating residents’ anniversaries and special milestones. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reminisce about happy times and celebrate the knowledge and wisdom of older generations.

“Marking such a special occasion at the home allowed many of the residents to share their own memories about their partners and wedding days, which were a joy to hear. Love has been well and truly in the air here at Kentford Manor as everyone raised a glass to Rick and Madge. Happy anniversary both!”

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