Newbury couple marks 65 years of marriage

A Newbury couple have celebrated a remarkable milestone – and given their advice for a long and successful marriage.

James Wright, who is known as Jim and lives at Care UK’s Winchcombe Place on Maple Crescent, and wife Judy marked their 65th wedding anniversary in style.

The pair celebrated the day with their family at the care home with sandwiches, a bottle of bubbly, a special cake from the kitchen team – and even shared some words of wisdom.

When asked for the key to everlasting love, Jim said: “The secret to a happy life is not to argue and celebrate all the milestones together.”

The couple first met in 1960, when Judy was 21 and Jim was 24, at the school they both taught. The pupils used to cheer and whistle when the couple would leave the grounds on Jim’s scooter. Lifelong music lovers, the pair had their first date at a jazz club and never looked back. 

Sharing 65 years of happy memories, Jim still remembers meeting Judy’s parents for the first time as the moment he knew she was the one for him. Nervous about making a good impression on his future in-laws, Jim shook an HP Sauce bottle so vigorously it exploded and covered the ceiling, as Judy looked on amused but clearly smitten. 

The couple married in Bognor Regis and enjoyed a honeymoon in Jersey. After serving in the navy, Jim joined Judy as a teacher at Mary Hare School in Newbury, where the pair spent many happy years teaching maths and PE to enquiring young minds.

After they retired, Jim and Judy were able to fulfil their bucket list wish to travel the world. They visited countries such as Australia and Fiji, where they developed their passion for trying new foods.

They now enjoy spending time with their three children, Neil, Paul and Alison, and their eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. 

Claire Cullen, Home Manager at Winchcombe Place, said: “Jim and Judy are such a lovely couple 

and a real joy to have here. You can 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 65th wedding anniversary was a wonderful moment for everyone. It was a day full of love, laughter and happy memories, and we’re so lucky to have been a part of it.”

Winchcombe Place 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 and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, and there is plenty of space for relaxation and recreation.