‘Grow Together’ – Married Couple Give Their Advice on 60th Valentine’s Day
90-year-old Richard and 87-year-old Beryl Stevenson, who live together at Haywood Lodge care home in Redditch, spent their 60th Valentine’s Day together since they met in 1952.
Richard, who was 20 years old, met Beryl, who was 18, at a Sunday night dance in a ballroom in Rugby, and the two fell in love.
After a year of courting, Richard was called to National Service in Singapore from 1953 for two years, during which time he was promoted to an Officer role.
Upon his return, Richard went to work in mechanics and engineering at British Thomson-Houston in Rugby, before asking for Beryl’s hand in marriage one year later.
On September 1st 1956, at St Nicholas Church in Beryl’s hometown of Baddlesley Ensor, the pair got married. Richard said he was ‘nervous but excited’ when he saw Beryl walking down the aisle.
The couple moved to their own home in Rugby, where they had two children. Beryl said,
‘We had some of the best times together before and after we were married, it’s all about being able to grow together.’
After a long, happy life in Rugby, Richard and Beryl made the decision to move into Haywood Lodge in 2022, where they could be looked after whilst spending more time relaxing together. They brought along their thirteen year old Labrador, Twinkle, who loves to visit the other residents.
In their new home, the couple like going on long strolls with Twinkle around the gardens, and dining together. For their 60th Valentine’s Day together, Richard and Beryl enjoyed a freshly prepared, romantic three-course meal.
When asked what their advice would be to those hoping for a long and happy marriage, the couple said,
‘It’s about give and take. Work with each other and do things you can both enjoy so that you can grow together.’
From 22nd-25th February, Haywood Lodge will invite their local community to a variety of family friendly events and activities. With arts and crafts, live entertainment, and cinema club, there’s something for all ages.
To find out more, call 01527 911 005, email Haywood.lodge@idealcarehomes.co.uk, or visit www.idealcarehomes.co.uk
Haywood Lodge is a purpose-built luxury residential and dementia care home operated by Ideal Carehomes. With 66 ensuite bedrooms, the home provides person-centred care and a
full and varied activities programme.
Ideal Carehomes were named the winners of the Large Residential Care category in the LaingBuisson Awards 2022.