Two long-standing married couples toasted Valentine’s Day together with a romantic high tea at a Dorset care home.
Amid Valentine’s hearts, roses and other themed decorations, the four diners enjoyed cakes, sandwiches, chocolates and bubbly in the lounge at Colten Care’s Castle View in Poundbury while sharing their thoughts on what makes a marriage last.
Peter and Rosemary Hopford, who both live at the home, have been together for 45 years. They first met when Peter gate-crashed a party at Weymouth and District Hospital, where Rosemary was working as a doctor.
Rosemary said: “A happy marriage is built on friendship, shared interests, and plenty of give and take.”
Fellow resident Brian has been married to his wife Sue for 57 years after the pair met in London.
Sue, who visits Brian every day, said: “A happy marriage comes from supporting each other, being good friends, and, of course, staying in love.”
Castle View Companion Hayley Legg said: “It was heartwarming to see that love is still very much in the air with these two couples. The high tea made for a memorable and cherished afternoon for everyone involved.”
