“I do” – Leatherhead couple celebrates 68 years of marriage

Home news

Oct 31, 2019

Milner House helped a resident to mark a special milestone.

There was romance in the air for residents at Care UK’s Milner House, on Ermyn Way, when they celebrated a couple’s 68th wedding anniversary.

Phyllis and Bernie Alcoe, aged 89, met in 1945 at Leatherhead Central, now Woodville School, in Leatherhead, when they were both prefects. Phyllis was also part of the baking club at the time, and the couple fondly recalls how Bernie used to eat the cake she’d made on his way home. 

When Bernie turned 18, he joined the army, where he stayed for two years. A year after he returned, in 1951, the couple got married, and took over a sweet shop on Kingston Road owned by Bernie’s family.

A keen footballer, Bernie played for Leatherhead Town FC for 10 years – when asked the secret to a long and happy marriage, he said: “I was always out playing football and Phyllis put up with it!”.

To toast the special milestone, Milner House invited Phyllis and Bernie’s family members for a surprise party at the home, while team members performed the couple’s favourite song – “I just called to say I love you”.

Home manager at Milner House, Joe Patterson, said: “We had a fantastic time celebrating Bernie and Phyllis’ 68th anniversary. Here at Milner House, we regularly celebrate big anniversaries and understand the importance of maintaining relationships and celebrating life’s milestones, so we were honoured to be a part of such a special moment for them.

“Marking such a special occasion at the home allowed many of the residents to reminisce and share fond memories of their own wedding days – it was lovely to hear their stories too. Congratulations Bernie and Phyllis!”

Bernie said: “I was so shocked to see my family walk up the drive. I can’t thank the Milner House team enough for such a special day.”

The three-storey care home, which features 47 ensuite bedrooms, has been designed to enable its residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities, and also has a hairdressing salon and café.

For more information, please email customer relations manager, Roy Booth, at roy.booth@careuk.com, or call 01372 278 922.

For general information about Care UK, visit careuk.com/milner-house