Edgbaston couple celebrates seven decades of marriage

Love is truly in the air at an Edgbaston care home after one couple marked an impressive milestone and shared their advice for a long and successful marriage.  

Team members at Care UK’s Metchley Manor, on Church Road, held a surprise celebration for resident Maureen Jordan, 92, and her husband Wes Jordan as they brought up 70 years of marriage.

They celebrated their milestone anniversary with a special meal prepared by the home’s head chef – and even passed on some words of wisdom.

Sharing their advice for a long and happy marriage, they said: “Respect each other’s needs and always be honest with one another.”

Born in Smethwick, Maureen and Wes met through mutual friends when they were just 19 and 20 years old respectively. The couple enjoyed a variety of dates, including romantic walks in Warley Woods, dancing the night away to their favourite music and watching films at their local cinema.

Wes said: “I immediately felt comfortable with Maureen, and that feeling has never gone away.”

The happy couple became engaged in 1955 on Maureen’s 21st birthday and married a year later at St Mark’s Church in Smethwick. 

Wes surprised Maureen with a honeymoon in Paris, where they stayed in Montmartre and became good friends with another married couple, Joyce and Derek – a friendship that lasted for years.

Reflecting on their time together, Maureen said: “Neither of us can imagine being with anyone else.”

Though Wes does not live at Metchley Manor, the couple remains as devoted as ever, with Wes visiting Maureen most days. 

Kim-Marie Newton, Home Manager at Metchley Manor, added: “We were absolutely delighted to celebrate the love between Maureen and Wes.

“Marking big milestones is really important to us here. We know just how much the memory of their wedding day means to them, which is why we decided to surprise them with a special meal.

“It was truly a privilege to listen to the memories and wisdom Maureen and Wes shared with us. Happy 70th anniversary to you both!”

Metchley Manor incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities, including its own café, hair and beauty salon and tavern. Its expert team provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, while the building offers both assisted living and a reminiscence suite to facilitate individual requirements.