LAUGHTER is the key to a long-lasting relationship, according to a Bromsgrove couple who have been married for more than 50 years.
Patricia Allenby, aged 89 and her husband Anthony, aged 91 met at an RAF nurses dance at an RAF station in Tangemere.
It was love at first sight for the pair as within three months they had tied the knot.
After sharing 51 years of married life together, the happy couple, who both live at Chandler Court care home, shared their secret to a long and happy marriage.
They said: “just accept one another for who they are, always laugh together and trust one another”.
Another couple at the care home, June Coulson, aged 92 and her husband John, aged 89 shared three pieces of advice for couples today; to stay true to one another, keep each other happy and be honest.
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The pair who have shared 53 years of marriage together, enjoyed their first date when John offered to take June out for a ‘posh meal’, although he admits he could not afford it.
During the uncertainty of World War Two, June and John had to move around regularly but say they leaned on one another for support and to stay strong.
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The team at Chandler Court organised a romantic celebration for residents to mark Valentine’s Day.
The lounge area was decorated with balloons and candles and the event even included music, dancing and a glass or two of prosecco.
Vongai Mushinga, home manager at Chandler Court, said: “We could all learn a thing or two from the couples at Chandler Court and their happy marriages, so we thought Valentine’s Day was the perfect opportunity to celebrate their long marriages and share their pearls of wisdom.
“Many of the residents have also been reminiscing and sharing memories of their own past loves; it was lovely to hear stories from everyone’s younger years.
“We’d like to say a big thank you to all the residents for their wise words.”
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