Yeadon couple mark 55 years of marriage

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

Patricia Anne Kirwin, resident at Care UK’s Weavers Court, on Naylor Avenue, and her husband James Terrance Kirwin proved they are a ‘diamond couple’ when marking their 55th wedding anniversary.

The pair first met in 1970, at a nightclub in Kirkstall, Leeds, when he was 31 and she was 24. After meeting Pat that night, Terry lost her phone number and had no way of contacting her, despite promising to call. Determined to see her again, he returned to the same nightclub to find her – and was able to finally ask her out on their first official first date, where they spent time chatting for hours and getting to know one another at a pub.

The couple later married at St Peter's Church in Belle Isle in 1971, within a year of meeting, on a sunny August day. It was a traditional large church wedding followed by a buffet reception at local pub The Halfway House.

When asked for the key to everlasting love, Terry said: “Good fun and lots of laughs, along with honesty!”

When asked for their advice for young couples today, Pat and Terry had three things to say: “pick the right person, commitment from both people and stay honest”.

The couple now enjoy spending time with their two children, Richard and Joanne, and two grandchildren, Thomas and Samuel. They continue to cherish the memories and adventures that have shaped their life together as they create new ones.

Sarah Kunica, Home Manager at Weavers Court, said: “It was extra special celebrating the love between Pat and Terry. Their devotion to one another is a beautiful example of long-lasting love and commitment.   

“Celebrating big milestones and making the day as special as possible for residents is really important to us here at Weavers Court, and Pat and Terry’s anniversary was most definitely a special one to mark.

“It was truly a privilege to listen to the memories and wisdom Pat and Terry shared with us – happy 55th anniversary to you both!”  

Weavers Court is a state-of-the-art care home that provides residential and dementia care on a permanent and respite basis. Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, the care home also offers its very own café, cinema room and hair salon as well as plenty of space for relaxation and recreation.