‘It’s hard to remember a time without each other.” Roy and Beryl celebrate nearly 70 years of love at Histon care home

A love story of nearly 70 years was celebrated at a Histon care home as residents mark Valentine’s Day.

Roy and Beryl have been married for 67 years and are continuing their love story at Bramley Court care home on Chivers Way where they put their long relationship down to love and spending time together.

“We met on holiday in the Black Forest, I was 23 and Beryl was a bit older,” said 94-year-old Roy.

“We dated after that and became engaged in the same year. We used to go dancing and to the pictures.

“The secret is loving each other and we never argued once! We have only been separated when I was on business or the very occasional night away.

“I retired early, which meant we had more time together, we went on some lovely holidays together, we loved Vancouver. It’s hard to remember a time without each other.”

The couple loved travelling, particularly in North America, and Roy would always buy Beryl a doll as a memento to add to her collection.

The pair were treated to a Valentine’s Day lunch and celebrated alongside their fellow residents at the 72 bedroomed home, rated Oustanding by the Care Quality Commission.

Patricia Steadman still cherishes memories of her life with late husband, Evan.

Patricia and Evan’s love story began when she was just 17, meeting in The Doctor Johnson’ pub in Ilford.

“Evan was 18 and rather full of himself,” Patricia recalls.

“He had just played the part of Hamlet at the local theatre/in the school production (?), and all the girls were crazy about him. He called on my mother, telling her his life story and asked to take me to the school dance.

“I already had a date but that didn’t stop him—he asked me for every dance, and I was bowled over by his charm and charisma.”

Their romance blossomed over five years before marrying at 23 and embarking on a life filled with theatre, travel, and joyous celebrations.

“We travelled extensively, spending time at our cottage in France, visiting Monte Carlo and Nice. We shared so many happy memories,” Patricia continued.

“Our marriage was built on love and understanding and the secret is loving each other. None of us are perfect, and we have to be forgiving.”

The pair were married for 45 years and have three children and five grandchildren before Evan sadly passed away just a few months before his 70th birthday.

“We still had the party we had planned for his birthday in his memory. We always have our memories—they never leave us.”

Bramley Court provides high quality residential, nursing and specialist dementia care.  The team were honoured to mark the special occasion for residents and hear their stories of finding love.

“Patricia’s spirit and story bring so much warmth to our home and reminds us that love truly lasts forever,” said head of quality Carol Morgan.

“We see this every day with Roy and Beryl who are very much still in love and enjoy nothing more than spending time together.

“Their stories show the power of love and devotion especially as we celebrate love this Valentine’s Day.”