“Happy wife, happy life” – Oxfordshire care home residents share secret to a happy marriage

Love was well and truly in the air at an Oxfordshire care home when two residents celebrated a very special milestone.

88-year-old Joyce Farish and her husband 89-year-old Brian, both residents at Care UK’s Cuttlebrook Hall on Stock Road toasted their 69^th wedding anniversary on 23^rd July.

Joyce and Brian met when they were 17 and 18 years old and tied the knot just three years later, eventually relocating from Carlisle to High Wycombe together. In their younger years, Joyce worked in the accounts department for the Co-op and Brian had a career in printing. 

Offering his advice for a long and successful marriage, Brian said: "Always remember – happy wife, happy life!”

The couple moved into Cuttlebrook Hall together in 2024, where they enjoy continuing their hobbies. Joyce loves knitting, baking, and taking a bit of ‘me time’ to pamper, and Brian can be found gardening or reading the newspaper.

The couple, who have one daughter, celebrated their special day with an afternoon tea planned by the home’s talented catering team, complete with a singer to serenade them.

Alana Corr , Home Manager at Cuttlebrook Hall, said: “Here at Cuttlebrook Hall, we know how important it is to celebrate all of life’s milestones, big and small. We were honoured to raise a glass to Joyce and Brian's long and happy marriage – we can certainly all learn from their experience.”

“The atmosphere in the home on their special day was wonderful, particularly with the singer setting the atmosphere for their afternoon tea. It truly was a day to remember – happy anniversary Joyce and Brian!”

Cuttlebrook Hall is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, dementia and short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes a cinema, hair salon and café.