‘Don’t be in each other’s pockets!’ Couple share secret to 60 years of marriage

A resident and his wife have shared the secret to their long and happy marriage as they celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

John Savage, aged 82, and his wife Frances, aged 80, marked 60 years of marriage on July 2 with a special celebration at Honey Lane Care Home.

The couple enjoyed a romantic lunch together, followed a few days later by a party with their family and friends, complete with balloons, banners, live entertainment and a cake specially made by our care home’s chef.

Our team also created a collage of treasured photographs from throughout John and Frances’ life together, bringing back many happy memories of their six decades of marriage.

Honey Lane became John’s home in February, and Frances visits often. Together they have two sons, Jason and Robert, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Former electrician John said: “The secret to a long and happy marriage is being tolerant, having a busy life, and not being in each other’s pockets all the time!”

Frances added: “Being able to laugh together is very important too.

“It truly was a wonderful celebration, there was so much love in the garden at Honey Lane, and I can’t thank Lisa and Julie enough for making it so memorable for John and I.”

John and Frances first met at a mutual friend’s 21st birthday party in Tottenham before marrying at St Mary’s Church in Great Parndon, Harlow.

John continued: “Our wedding day was not without a little drama when my best man suddenly went missing and one of my other friends had to step in at the last minute.”

During their 60 years of marriage, the couple have enjoyed a busy and adventurous life together, living in Harlow, Upminster and Bishop’s Stortford, as well as spending time in South Africa and Botswana for work.

Our team ensures John and Frances regularly enjoy lunch together, while also giving them the time and space to simply relax and enjoy each other’s company.

Lisa Gammalliere, lifestyle coordinator at Honey Lane, said: “It was such a privilege to help John and Frances celebrate this incredible milestone with their family and friends.

“Sixty years of marriage is a wonderful achievement, and we loved looking back at their memories and photographs from their life together.

“John and Frances clearly still enjoy each other’s company and share a wonderful sense of humour. It was lovely to make a fuss of them both and give them the diamond wedding anniversary celebration they deserved.”

Honey Lane Care Home is a specialist residential dementia care home with 38 bedrooms. Honey Lane Care Home is rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).