‘Never fight over money’ – the secret to a long marriage according to Bury St Edmunds residents

Love was in the air at a Bury St Edmunds care home when two residents celebrated a very special milestone. 

Margaret, 94, and her ‘toy boy’ Tom, 93, toasted their 73^rd wedding anniversary at Care UK’s Glastonbury Court, on Glastonbury Road, where they both live.

Margaret and Tom Shipley met when they were just 14 years old, while in the choir at Spring Mill Walk Chapel, and soon became an item. In their late teens, Tom began painting the lines at the local tennis club, while Margaret served afternoon tea, which gave them both free membership at the club to spend time together. 

Tom said: “I was never sure why Margaret liked me – I was such a sulky teenager, and she was so bubbly and chatty!”

At the age of 17, Tom joined the Royal Air Force, where he served for four years. He continued to write to Margaret, and they married on his return in March 1949. They went on to have three children, Ian, Ann and Katherine.

Tom added: “The secret to a long marriage is not to fight over money. Our money has always been ours, not mine or Margaret’s individually. We just blended as a team.”

In 2021, Margaret and Tom stayed at Glastonbury Court for respite, and made the decision to move into the home together permanently earlier this year. 

To toast the special milestone, Glastonbury Court’s head chef prepared a surprise romantic meal for two in the home’s dining room, which was specially decorated for the occasion. Pictures of the couple over the years were showcased, and they also were joined by their daughter Ann to enjoy their favourite meal of fish and chips.

Chantal Sencier, Customer Relations Manager at Glastonbury Court, said: “Here at Glastonbury Court, we regularly celebrate big anniversaries and understand the importance of maintaining relationships and celebrating life’s milestones. We were honoured to be a part of such a special moment for Margaret and Tom. They are truly inseparable, and we can all learn a thing or two from their long-lasting marriage.  

“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. Happy anniversary Margaret and Tom!”

Glastonbury Court is a modern care home which provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable its residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema and hair salon, and there is plenty of space both in and outdoors for relaxation and recreation. 

For more information about Glastonbury Court, please call Customer Relations Manager, Chantal Sencier on 01284 844668, or email chantal.sencier@careuk.com.

For general information please visit, careuk.com/glastonbury-court.