Basingstoke care home residents reveal secrets to a happy marriage on 69th wedding anniversary

 

Love was in the air at a Basingstoke care home as a resident and her husband celebrated a very special milestone. 

92-year-old Beryl Jenkins and her husband Alan toasted their 69^th wedding anniversary at Care UK’s Dashwood Manor on Bradley Way. 

When asked the secret to their long-lasting marriage, the couple responded with “having a partnership and being understanding”. 

Beryl and Alan were born just three miles away from each other but didn’t meet until their early twenties. Alan worked at Southwest Electricity Board before being posted to India for national service. Beryl stepped into his role for two years while he was away, and they met for the first time when he returned. Alan decided to train as an accountant, allowing Beryl to keep the job, and a mutual friend later suggested the job-sharing pair should meet for a date. 

Beryl said: “Our first date was at the cinema in Pontypridd. We went to see the film Jumping Jacks together, we shared a popcorn – and then later we shared our first kiss.”

Three years later, in 1955, they were married at Beryl’s family home. Alan and Beryl spent their honeymoon in the Isle of Wight on the hottest day of the year and returned home to begin their life together. The couple went on to have two children – a daughter and a son – and now have five grandchildren and one great grandchild between them. 

To celebrate 69 years married, the team at Dashwood Manor organised a private day together reminiscing the last 69 years – and a romantic meal is also planned. 

Dil Perera, Home Manager at Dashwood Manor, said: “We were honoured to be a part of such a special moment for Beryl and Alan. 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, Beryl and Alan!”  

Dashwood Manor is designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives while also promoting independence. The new care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities with luxury facilities, including a café, hair and beauty salon, cinema, bar and gardens.