Ferndown couple celebrates lifetime of memories at care home

A care home in Ferndown is celebrating a love story that spans seven decades.

It’s not just Christmas celebrations happening at a care home in Ferndown – but anniversary parties too, after resident Patricia Furnnell, aged 89, and her husband Brian, aged 91, marked their 70^th wedding anniversary with a party organised by team members at Care UK’s Ferndown Manor on Golf Links Road.

To the couple’s surprise, Patricia and Brian were joined by their son, Simon, for a small gathering, complete with a celebratory cake prepared by Ferndown Manor’s chef – and a special card from His Majesty, the King. 

Alongside their family and friends, the couple enjoyed plenty of laughter as they reminisced on their time together throughout the celebration – sharing their own advice for younger couples keen to reach seven decades together. 

“Love each other every day and have faith in your partner,” the pair agreed.

Patricia, known as Trisha, first met Brian in 1953 when he was stationed in Newcastle for national service. As a newcomer, Brian joined the local church where the teenagers met. Their first date quickly followed – Sunday Tea at Trisha’s home, marking the start of the journey. 

The connection was instant. Brian described his first impression of Trisha as a “lovely girl”, while Trisha recalls Brian was a “bombshell!” 

Two years later, the couple tied the knot in 1955 at St John’s Church in Newcastle, where her parents had also married. Recalling that special day, Trisha fondly said: “It was wet and rainy, but still a beautiful day!”

The pair moved down to Surrey, where Brian grew up, to start their own family. They raised their son Peter and daughter, Judith, who have since welcomed three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren to the family. 

Over the years, the couple have shared their love of golf and badminton, with cherished memories of playing together as a family. 

Answering the secret to finding lasting love, Brian said: “Be open to new experiences and you may find love. Be loving and giving, and you will receive it.” 

Sara Muslin, Home Manager at Ferndown Manor, said: “Trisha and Brian are such a lovely couple and a real joy to have here at Ferndown. You can always see how much they care for each other – whether they’re sharing a laugh or sitting together in the garden, it’s clear their bond is something really special.

“Celebrating their 70th anniversary was a wonderful moment for everyone. Hearing about their life together, from meeting through the church as teenagers to raising a family, was so inspiring.

“It was a day full of love, laughter and happy memories – which we’re so lucky to have been a part of it. Happy anniversary, Trisha and Brian!”

Ferndown Manor has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives in a luxury environment. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, with the layout providing plenty of space – both indoors and out – for relaxation and recreation.