Love is in the air at a Leamington Spa care home! Couples with over 100 years of happy marriages between them reveal their advice

“Don’t go to bed on an argument” included in advice from couples at a care home in Leamington Spa when they enjoyed a very special Valentine’s Day celebration.

Love was in the air when the team at Care UK’s Priors House, on Old Milverton Lane, arranged a romantic celebration for the couples living at the home. Everyone was encouraged to reminisce about their early days as couples and reveal their secrets to a long and happy marriage.

The heart-warming event, dedicated to love, laughter, and lasting relationships, had all the couples filled with excitement as they dressed to the nines to enjoy champagne, cocktails, and canapés, specially made by the home’s Head Chef.

John and Linda Gartside, who have been married for over 53 years, enjoyed the Valentine’s Day celebrations and shared happy memories from their impressively long marriage. They met in 1968 by chance when out walking their dogs.

The couple got engaged on Christmas Eve in 1971 and were married quickly after, in the summer of 1972. They later welcomed two children, Sarah and Kathryn.

Reflecting on their many years together, Linda revealed “a good sense of humour” is what she loves most about John.

Also joining the special celebration, Jack and Marlene Marvel, aged 92 and 89, shared how they first met in 1950 at school.

When Jack first asked Marlene out on a date, Marlene said no because she was “washing her hair”. That didn’t stop Jack, and the couple eventually did go out on a date and married in 1956, when Marlene was 19 and Jack was 21, celebrating with their closest friends and family.

When asked what he loves most about Marlene, Jack said her “trait of openness”.

Also attending the dinner was happy couple, Vivien Gudgin and Derek Matheson, aged 90 and 89. The couple met in 2023 at Priors House in the Telford Suite, and have been inseparable ever since.

Francine Summers, Home Manager at Priors House, said: “John and Linda, Jack and Marlene, and Vivien and Derek, are three love stories for the ages. It was great to be able to organise a special date night for each of them. I’d also like to say a special thank you to our wonderful chef for creating such a fantastic menu for the evening.  

“Here at Priors House, love is certainly in the air, and it’s been wonderful to encourage so many of the residents to reminisce and share fond memories from their own marriages and relationships. Many wise words were shared that have certainly given us food for thought.

“We’d like to say thank you to all the happy couples for sharing their stories. Happy Valentine’s Day!”