“Stick with it” – the secret to a long marriage according to Sidcup care home resident on his 60th wedding anniversary

 

Love was in the air at a Sidcup care home when two residents marked their diamond wedding anniversary.              

A very special celebration took place at Care UK’s Smyth Lodge, on Frognal Avenue, when resident 87-year-old Gerald Ravenscroft marked 60 years of marriage with his wife, Edith.  

Edith and Gerald’s romance began in 1951 after first meeting at work at a building company in Welling, where they both lived before settling in their bungalow in Sidcup. After 13 of years dating, the pair tied the knot in 1964. 

When asked what advice Gerald would give to younger couples on maintaining a happy marriage, Gerald said: “Stick with it – people nowadays give up too easily! The key is to have respect and love for one another at all times.”

Edith added that Gerald had “always been gentle and kind” ever since their first date to the cinema. 

Both family-orientated, Gerald and Edith have three children, Hazel, Tony and Nicola, and two grandchildren, who often visit Gerald at Smyth Lodge alongside Edith and their wider family members.

Tracey Cheeseman, Home Manager at Smyth Lodge, added: “We were delighted to celebrate such a special milestone with Gerald and Edith and their family. Marking such a special occasion at the home encouraged many of the residents to reminisce and share fond memories of their own wedding days and happy marriages – it was lovely to hear their stories too. 

“Here at Smyth Lodge, we regularly celebrate big anniversaries and understand the importance of maintaining relationships and celebrating life’s milestones. It was a joy to give Gerald and Edith the celebration they deserve. 

“Happy 60^th wedding anniversary Gerald and Edith!”

Smyth Lodge has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential dementia and nursing care, as well as respite care.