PLATINUM WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
We do love a wedding anniversary here at Harrier Grange, our Joan and Richard are celebrating their 70th this year, with Richard's philosophy to a long and happy marriage being: 'let the wife be the boss'.
Our Joan, 89, moved to Harrier Grange in April last year when her husband Richard was no longer able to care for her at their family home.
Prior to Joan coming to live with us at Harrier Grange, the couple were virtually inseparable after meeting each other when they were just teenagers and then going on to marry on a stormy, yet romantic Christmas Day at St.John's Church in Hammersmith in 1947.
Although having lived and worked in London for most of his life after a short time in the Royal Navy, Richard's employers Wilkinson Sword, relocated to Wales in 1973. Leading him to find a new role with the agricultural business Watson & Haig in Andover, where the couple have lived ever since.
Joan had various jobs including working at factories making radio components during the Second World War. The couple have two sons, Paul now 67, and Gary, 63, along with four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
"The secret to a happy marriage is being kept on the ball and chain," joked Richard, who was 91 on January 6. "But seriously the best thing that ever happened to me was meeting and marrying my beloved Joan.
"Family has always been very important to us and we wanted to give our children the best lives possible, which has helped to keep our relationship strong."
Joan said: "Richard has never been one to quarrel or lose his temper and is calm in every situation. It is simply not in his nature to bite back."
Richard visits Joan nearly every day and is delighted with the care she's receiving here. "It's lovely here. There is a really welcoming atmosphere which makes me feel at home. The staff are very friendly, the food is exceptional and the activities and events are great fun."
Our Home Manager, Kay Kelly said: "We would just like to say a huge congratulations from everybody at Harrier Grange to Joan and Richard on their 70th wedding anniversary. They are a fantastic couple and we wish them many more happy years together."
