‘Remember that a woman is always right’ – the secret to a long marriage according to Enfield residents

Love was in the air at an Enfield care home when two residents celebrated their diamond anniversary. 

Brenda, aged 86, and Peter Read, also aged 86, toasted their 60^th wedding anniversary in style at Care UK’s Elizabeth Lodge, on Pennington Drive, where they both live.

The pair met at the Royalty Dance in Southgate in 1958, where Peter offered Brenda a lift home after a night of dancing. The couple dated for four years before getting married on June 26^th 1962. During their careers, Peter worked as an Assistant Executive Engineer for Post Office Telecoms and Brenda worked as a Nurse at the former Highlands Hospital, now home to Elizabeth Lodge itself.

Commenting on the secret to a long and happy marriage, Brenda said: “Always listen to each other, work together and remember, a woman is always right – even Peter agrees!

“Peter would always buy chocolates and flowers each week on pay day – and has always kept showing his love.”

The couple share three children and three grandchildren, who regularly visit the couple at Elizabeth Lodge. 

To toast the special milestone, the couple spent the day with their children reading their many cards of congratulations and enjoying a slice of their special anniversary cake baked by the home’s head chef. As well as reflecting on their many happy years, Barbara and Peter were thrilled to receive their very special card from the Queen.

Michelle Sampang, Home Manager at Elizabeth Lodge, said: “Here at Elizabeth Lodge, 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 Brenda and Peter. 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 Brenda and Peter!”

Elizabeth Lodge is an elegant purpose-designed care home in Greater London which provides personalised residential, nursing and respite care for older people, as well as dementia care and compassionate end of life care. To ensure that every day is different and enjoyable each resident has a care plan that’s tailored to their unique needs, interests and choices. The home has an extensive activity programme including a gardening club, arts and crafts, cooking and themed events.

For more information about Elizabeth Lodge, contact Customer Relations Manager, Jaime Stubberfield on 0333 4343 024, email Jaime.Stubberfield@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/elizabeth-lodge.