SIGNATURE at Parklands Manor, a care home in Chertsey, hosted a romantic Valentine’s Day lunch for its three married couples, one of whom have been married for more than 70 years.
Ron and Joan Harrison, both residents at Parklands Manor, and two married couples each enjoyed a three-course meal set in a decorated room. They were joined by three residents who were enjoying a lunch date with colleagues working at the care home.
Aged 19 and 20 respectively, Ron and Joan met on October 3, 1949 at a local dance class held above the fire station in Egham, the town where they both lived. It was love at first sight and the night they met saw them dance all of that’s night’s dances together.
They got engaged in 1951 and married in 1952. Their dates consisted of going for walks and cycling for miles, on one occasion making a 120-mile round trip on a tandem bike down to the coast.
Their wedding was a typical small affair, with around 30 guests and a reception at Joan’s parent’s house. Joan was working in an office and Ron was an apprentice in the aircraft industry.
During their early years of married life, they lived with Joan’s family due to their financial situation. When their first child, a daughter, was born in 1955, the council gave them a flat. They had another daughter in 1958 and now have two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Jenny Davies, general nanager at Signature at Parklands Manor, said: “We are so happy to have Ron and Joan, and all of our residents who are part of our family here at Parklands Manor. They are a lovely couple and an inspiration to us all.
“Ron and Joan, and all of our couples here, clearly love being with each other, their love for each other is very evident, and are always by each other’s side. We particularly love seeing them go for their daily walks around our garden, a pastime they have shared since meeting.”
The Valentine’s Day lunch was a chance to celebrate love and commitment. Ron and Joan were just one example of the enduring love that can last a lifetime.
