‘I do…again!’ – Bury St Edmunds care home residents renew their vows

A couple at a Bury St Edmunds care home have celebrated their 62-year marriage in the most perfect way.

Francis Woods, 94-years-old, who lives at Care UK’s Glastonbury Court, on Glastonbury Road, and Jean, 83-years-old, renewed their wedding vows after 62-years of marriage, as Frank “wanted to make Jean feel special again”.

On the day, the happy couple were surrounded by 18 of their family and friends. Jean walked down the aisle to ‘The Gladfly’ by Shostakovich with her great-grandchildren as the bridesmaids and page boys. 

The ceremony was led by Jean and Frank’s son-in-law, Reverend David Crofts, who is the local vicar, and as part of his vows, Frank said: “I can’t remember all that, but all you need to know is I love her!” After the service there was a tasty wedding buffet and champagne for all guests to enjoy; toasting to Jean and Frank.

The couple shared their advice on how to have a long and happy marriage, saying: “To give and take, and listen to each other”, and Jean said: “For your husband to do as he is told”.

Ana Mihai, Home Manager at Glastonbury Court, said: “Congratulations to the happy couple. It's easy to see just how much they adore each other – they’re a real inspiration to us all. 

“The Glastonbury Court team worked so hard to turn the home into a lavish wedding venue fit for the wonderful occasion, making it the perfect place to make their vows official once again. We were honoured to play a part in such an important occasion. 

Jean was born in Diss and worked as a PA for an accountant, and she used to walk past the curry shop Frank, who was born in Ely, managed every day, until one day they started chatting. The couple's first date was in 1960 in East Dereham, Norfolk, when they went to a 21^st birthday party together. Two years later, Jean and Frank got married on a hot summer's day at Swaffham Methodist Church. They later had two children together, Jackie and Andrew.

Glastonbury Court is a modern care home which provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable its residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema and hair salon, and there is plenty of space both in and outdoors for relaxation and recreation.