“Don’t do it...” – Tettenhall care home couple reveal their secret to marriage this Valentine’s Day

Love was in the air at a Tettenhall care home when one couple shared their love story and secrets to a happy marriage as part of a Valentine's themed celebration. 

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, the team at Care UK’s Foxland Grange, on Wergs Road, arranged a romantic meal for Charles and Carol White, aged 92 and 85, to reminisce over their 62 years of marriage. 

The special celebration included a three-course meal prepared by the home’s Head Chef and the lounge was decorated with banners and balloons. The happy couple reminisced about their early days together and revealed their secret to a happy marriage.

When asked what advice they would give to young couples, Charles laughed as he shared his biggest secret to a successful marriage: “Don’t do it – don’t give advice, they won’t take any notice.”

The duo later added: “Finding someone who is helpful, supportive and fun – that’s important of the decisions you make is definitely important. You will know when the right person has come along, then you put up with them for the rest of time!”

The couple met at a ballroom dancing class that Carol had been attending for six years, as she loved to dance – and still does. After much persuasion, Charles attended the class and the two became close friends after being introduced to each other by family members.  

Four years later in 1961, Charles and Carol married at St Barnabas Church in East London and had an intimate wedding with 40 of their closest friends and family. They moved to Surrey for two years then the Wirral for seven years. Eventually, they settled down in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, where they lived for 40 years.

The couple have one daughter, Victoria, a grandson who lives in Australia and a granddaughter who lives in Bristol. 

Carol has always been a fan of the arts and began a drama group with neighbours which ran for many years. The creative group would put on a well-attended production for the village each year. Charles was also involved with the drama group behind the scenes as the treasurer. 

Charles and Carol also enjoy socialising with friends and going out for dinner. Charles admitted that he’s a big West Ham fan and would rather watch football than go to the theatre but, would go there with Carol as it’s something she enjoys.

Katy Anderson, General Manager at Foxland Grange, said: “We were delighted to host a romantic afternoon this Valentine's Day for residents, and we thought there’s no better time to encourage the happy couples to reminisce.  

“Celebrating Valentine’s Day has allowed many of the residents to share their advice and wisdom about relationships and marriage, which we could all learn a lot from. It’s wonderful to hear everyone’s happy memories and celebrate all these wonderfully long and happy relationships.  

“We’d like to say thank you to Charles and Carol for sharing their story with us, they truly are the perfect match!”

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.