Shinfield care home residents share secret to happy marriage on 70th anniversary

Love was in the air at a Shinfield care home as two residents celebrated a very special milestone.

Gordon Lovegrove and his wife Linda toasted their 70^th wedding anniversary at Care UK’s Parsons Grange on Westall Street on Wednesday 24^th July.

When asked the secret to their long-lasting marriage, the couple responded with “never go to bed on an argument”.

At the tender age of 20 and 17, dance lovers Gordon and Linda started their lives together after meeting at the old Olympia Ballroom in Reading.

Gordon said: “I will always remember the day we met. The thing I liked most about Linda was her smile.”

The pair were married at St John the Evangelist on Watlington Street on 24^th July 1954, and later welcomed two daughters into the world. They now have four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 

Former lorry driver Gordon reflected on the vital factors that have helped their marriage to thrive and survive through seven decades.

He said: “I would say the two main qualities that have helped our marriage to stand the test of time are patience and compromise. These are the most important aspects of a relationship. 

“Of course, it also helps that the word ‘love’ is in our name.”

To celebrate the special milestone, the team at Parsons Grange decorated the home’s lounge with balloons and banners. The couple were surrounded by loved ones, including their two daughters, as they reminisced on happy memories and enjoyed a delicious cake created by the home’s Head Chef. 

Rozina Ali, Home Manager at Parsons Grange, said: “We were honoured to be a part of such a special moment for Gordon and Linda. They are a wonderful couple, with lots of wisdom about building a strong and successful marriage that I think we could all learn from. 

“We regularly celebrate big anniversaries and understand the importance of maintaining relationships and marking life’s milestones. The atmosphere in the home was wonderful and prompted many residents to reminisce and share fond memories of their own weddings 

“Happy anniversary, Gordon and Linda!” 

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Parsons Grange care home has been designed with residents in mind. The home has plenty of space for leisure and hobby activities as well as a café, hair salon, bar and a cinema for residents to enjoy.