A lifetime of love: Ilkley couple shares marriage tips that stand the test of time

“Have a good sense of humour” is just one of the pieces of advice given by a couple at a care home in Ilkley as they enjoyed their 50^th Valentine’s Day together. 

Love was in the air when the team at Care UK’s Mayfield View, on Lower Railway Road, arranged a special dinner for Cameron and Vivienne Stewert. 

Cameron, 76, and Vivienne, 82, dressed to the nines to enjoy some champagne and a romantic meal prepared by the home’s head chef.

With Valentine’s decorations filling the room, they reminisced about their early days together and revealed their secrets to a long and happy marriage.

The couple met in 1976 at Yorkshire Banks Sports Club, where one of Vivienne’s friends used to work. They were paired together for a table tennis tournament and hit it off instantly.

Vivienne said: “I missed a ball, and he was being cheeky, insinuating I was a learner.”

They wed in a quiet ceremony in Horsforth in 1979, and share two daughters, four granddaughters and one grandson.

Both share a love of music. Cameron used to play the piano, while Vivienne is a trained opera singer, though she often says her love for Elvis made her want to be a rock’n’roll performer instead. 

When asked for their advice to young couples, Cameron said: “Don’t start a family too soon but get a pension and start saving early.”

Katie Cliff, Home Manager at Mayfield View, said: “Cameron and Vivienne adore each other, and they’re a real inspiration to us all here at Mayfield View. 

“Moving into a care home doesn’t mean the end of celebrating special milestones. Celebrating Cameron and Vivienne’s 50^th Valentine’s Day together was a wonderful moment for everyone; it prompted other residents at the home to tell us all about their love stories, which has been heartwarming.

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

Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Mayfield View incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities with its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and pub. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care.