‘Lots of dancing and laughing!’ – the secret to a long marriage according to Sutton Coldfield residents

Love was in the air at a Sutton Coldfield care home when two residents celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary. 

Jeff Baggott, aged 87, and his wife Hilda, aged 86, toasted their 65^th wedding anniversary in style at Care UK’s Bishops Manor, on Jockey Road, where they both live.

 

To toast the special milestone, the couple spent the day with their loved ones relaxing in the sunshine in the home’s garden, reading their many cards of congratulations. As well as reflecting on their many happy years, Jeff and Hilda were thrilled to receive a very special card from the Queen.

Revealing the secret to a long and happy marriage, Jeff said: “Make sure you remain best friends by respecting one another and sharing common interests. Above all else, make sure your marriage has lots of dancing and laughing!”

The pair met through their love of dancing at a ballroom class in West Bromwich in 1952. With a shared love of live music and dancing, the couple went on their first ‘official’ date in Birmingham, where Jeff took Hilda to see a brass band play live. 

The couple married at All Saints Church in West Bromwich on 5^th August. The date served as a bank holiday in 1952 which Jeff jokingly recalls was a deliberate decision after Hilda’s father refused to close the family’s butcher shop on any other day. Their reception was held at Sandwell Hotel and had over 100 guests in attendance. 

Sarah Diamond, General Manager at Bishops Manor, said: “Here at Bishops Manor, we regularly celebrate big anniversaries and understand the importance of maintaining relationships and marking life’s milestones. We were honoured to be a part of such a special moment for Jeff and Hilda. They are a truly inspirational couple, 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 Jeff and Hilda!”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Bishops Manor, which remains open to potential residents, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The building has been designed to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.