MARRIED couples at Royal Star & Garter’s three homes have celebrated Valentine’s Day together.
The charity has couples in each of its Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe homes, and made it a day to remember for them.
At Royal Star & Garter in Solihull, WWII and Navy veteran Harry, 98, and Sue, 96, were treated to a romantic meal. The couple met on a rambling weekend and have been married for 72 years.
On the day, they enjoyed a lunch together and exchanged cards and gifts arranged by staff. There was also a Valentine’s lunch for all residents in the dining area, which had been decorated with hearts and bunting.
At the Surbiton home, 91-year-old Bob, who served in the Army, and Rosemary, 89, enjoyed a private meal together. The couple met at a health food company where they worked, getting together in 1970 and marrying 12 years later.
In High Wycombe, Neil and Betty also enjoyed a romantic meal together. The couple met when Betty, 94, started attending a judo club which 88-year-old Army veteran Neil taught at. They wed in 1969, and have been married 53 years.
At Royal Star & Garter, Valentine’s Day also celebrates friendship and family, so that everyone feels involved. The homes also put on Valentine-themed activities ahead of the special day. These included shortbread and card-making in Surbiton, and arts and crafts and live music in Solihull.
In High Wycombe, staff also arranged for husbands and wives of residents to come in for lunch with their loved ones in the home’s private dining area. Staff also bought flowers for the couples to exchange.