Care home couples at Mildenhall Lodge share marriage tips that stand the test of time for Valentine’s Day
‘Trust’, ‘being yourself’ and ‘staying out of the way’ — three care home couples have revealed their secrets to a long and happy marriage this Valentine’s Day.
Love was in the air at Mildenhall Lodge in St John’s Close as residents celebrated with a special event with champagne, a specially prepared lunch and a party with live music.
Now, they are sharing their heartwarming love stories to inspire others.
Mary and John
After 67 years of marriage, Mary, 89, and John Wood, 92, still cherish the memories they have built together.
The couple met in 1950 at a dance where John says it was ‘love at first sight’.
Their first date was at a local pub and eight years later — they tied the knot.
Mary worked in a laboratory at Boots in Nottingham before becoming a full-time mother, while John spent his career as a pig farmer.
Together, they raised three children and are now proud grandparents to seven.
Once their children were grown, the pair travelled the world — visiting the USA, Canada, Australia and Europe.
Reflecting on their marriage, Mary shared a simple piece of advice: “Just be yourself.”
Joyce and Joseph
Joyce and Joseph Dukes, 84 and 90, first crossed paths in Feltwell, near Brandon — and while Joyce recalls falling for him immediately, Joseph confessed: “It wasn’t love at first sight, but I did like the look of her.”
Their romance blossomed after a first date at the pictures followed by drinks at the Oak Hotel in Feltwell.
They married in 1959 and, 65 years later, they have four children — Shaun, Kevin, Suzanne and Lorraine — as well as eight grandchildren.
Joseph worked as a prison officer for 13 years before serving in the army for 22 years, a career that took them to Hong Kong and Germany.
Joyce worked in the NAAFI shop and later as a Prison Manageress.
When asked about the secret to a lasting marriage, Joseph answered with one word: “Trust.”
Molly and Ted
Molly, 90, and Ted Huggins, 88, have been married for more than 40 years and still share a strong bond.
They first met in Fordham, near Newmarket, where Molly admitted she was smitten from the start.
Ted, on the other hand, said: “It wasn’t love at first sight, but she did look lovely.”
Their first date was a trip to see Black Beauty at the picture — though Molly had to be home by her 8pm curfew.
Molly spent her career working in a jam and bottle factory, while Ted joined the National Service at just 14 before later working at Parkers Mill in Mildenhall.
The couple lived in Fordham before settling in Mildenhall, where they enjoyed dancing together at Mildenhall Working Man’s Club.
They raised their daughter, Eileen, and are now proud grandparents to two grandchildren.
When asked about the key to a happy marriage, Ted offered a light-hearted tip for any newlyweds: “Staying out of the way or going fishing is the secret to a long and happy marriage.”
Hannah Nurse, home manager at Mildenhall Lodge, said: “It was great to be able to organise a special ‘date night’ for each of them in honour of Valentine’s Day.
“I’d like to say a special thank you to our hard-working team for making the evening so memorable and to our wonderful chef for creating such a fantastic menu.
“It’s been wonderful to encourage so many of the residents to reminisce and share fond memories from their own marriages and relationships.
“We’d like to say thank you to all the happy couples for sharing their stories and proving that true love really can stand the test of time.”
