“Don’t expect too much” – Cambridge care home resident take a romantic trip down memory lane

Love was in the air at a Cambridge care home when one happy couple shared their love story and secrets to a happy marriage.

The team at Care UK’s Heathlands House, on Bullen Close, arranged a romantic trip for 83-year old resident Keith Peters and his wife, Gloria, aged 79, to a spot which has held a special place in their hearts throughout their 57 years of marriage.

The outing saw the couple revisit Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill – a location which they would visit together weekly in their younger years as long-time National Trust members. Keith and Gloria enjoyed retracing their steps through the abbey’s impressive gardens and touring the house, reminiscing over fond memories of previous visits.

Gloria said: “It was always about being together for us – somewhere to go and relax. Although, we once brought one of our grandchildren who didn’t want to walk, so we brought a pushchair. Halfway round one of the wheels broke and we had to carry the pram for the rest of the way!”

Jess Hill, Welcome Manager at National Trust, commented: “It was a true pleasure to welcome Keith and Gloria back to Anglesey Abbey and hear about their story of true love. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, we greeted the lovely couple with a bouquet of beautiful winter flowers from our Gardens to wish them well during their visit.

“We’re thrilled they had a wonderful day out at one of their favourite locations and we’d love to see them and the lovely staff at Heathlands House again soon to make more happy memories.”

When asked what advice they would give to other couples, Gloria shared that a successful marriage is “all about give and take” as well as making sure not to expect too much from one another.

The couple met at the Dorothy Ballroom in Cambridge when Keith was 22 and Gloria was 19. Quickly falling in love, Keith and Gloria were married in 1966 in an intimate ceremony at St James Church, in Cherry Hinton.

Together, the couple have two children, Sarah and Andrew, and four grandchildren who they see regularly.

Razvan Stanbeca, Home Manager at Heathlands House, added: “The team were delighted to help Keith and Gloria share a Valentine’s Day to remember with a trip to one of their favourite places.

“The visit was a fantastic opportunity for the couple to reminisce over their relationship and share advice and tips for a happy marriage – it was wonderful to hear these discussions across the home as residents and relatives joined in the romance too.

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to Keith and Gloria for sharing their love story with us and to the team here at Heathlands House for organising such a meaningful trip!”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Heathlands House incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities both indoors and out. The layout of the building has been configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge and dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.