Express & Star

Love is in the air as Sutton Coldfield couple celebrate milestone anniversary

Love was in the air at a Sutton Coldfield care home when two residents celebrated their blue sapphire anniversary.

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Residents Brian and Janice celebrating their 65th Wedding Anniversary

Brian May, aged 86, and his wife Janice, aged 88, toasted their 65th wedding anniversary in style at Care UK’s Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Drive, where they both live.

To celebrate the special milestone, the couple spent the day with their loved ones, reading their many cards of congratulations.

It was a double celebration, as the next day was Janice’s birthday, when they went out for a family meal and enjoyed a slice of their special cake baked by the home’s head chef. As well as reflecting on their many happy years, Brian and Janice were thrilled to receive their very special card from the Queen.

The pair met at the Isle of Wight’s Sandown Beach in 1954, where Janice was on holiday with her sisters and their partners. When they first met, Brian initially told a white lie about his age, since he was only 18 and eighteen months younger than her. Their long and happy marriage all began when the pair went to a dance together.

Brian and Janice in their youth

The couple dated for three years before getting married on 27th July 1957. During their careers, Brian worked as a Physics Lecturer at Birmingham Polytechnic, now Birmingham City University. Meanwhile, Janice worked as a nursery and infant schoolteacher throughout her life.

The couple share three children together, and six grandchildren, who regularly visit the couple at Mercia Grange.

Catherine Evans, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “We were honoured to be a part of such a special moment for Brian and Janice. They are truly inseparable and inspirational couple, and we can all learn a thing or two from their long-lasting marriage.

“Marking such a special occasion at the home allowed many of the residents to reminisce and share fond memories of their own wedding days – it was lovely to hear their stories too."

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