‘Laugh a lot’ – the secret to a long marriage according to Church Crookham residents

Love was in the air at a Church Crookham care home when two residents celebrated a very special milestone.  

Chris, aged 98, and his wife Betty, aged 94, toasted their 71^st wedding anniversary at Care UK’s Bourley Grange, on Bourley Road, where they both live. 

Chris and Betty Patrick met in Badshot Lea Village where they both grew up. Betty didn’t like Chris at first as she thought “he was a little arrogant”. However, Chris quickly won Betty over during their first date where they went to the local cinema followed by sharing a bag of chips on their walk home. 

The couple married on 2^nd August 1952 in St George’s Church in the village where they met. It rained during the day, but everyone still had a fantastic time. 

Chris and Betty had four children together and now have four grandchildren and one great grandson named George.

To toast the special milestone, Bourley Grange’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 also showcased around the room. 

The couple revealed the secret to a long and happy marriage was to ‘laugh a lot’. 

Betty said: “We were really happy with the surprise celebration. Our 71^st wedding anniversary will remain in our memories forever.”

Racquel Merdegia, General Manager at Bourley Grange, said: “Here at Bourley Grange, 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 Chris and Betty. 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 Chris and Betty!” 

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Bourley Grange, which remains open to potential residents, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and memory care in addition to respite care. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.