Ref:PRSH140
Date: 31 October 2016

Couple enjoy Diamond Wedding celebrations at Jubilee Court

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A surprise party organised by neighbours and staff at Jubilee Court in Stafford was one of the highlights of a series of celebrations to mark a local couple's Diamond Wedding anniversary.

John and Jane Wise moved into the Extra Care scheme managed by Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) earlier this year, nearly sixty years after they first got married and set up home together in their native Scotland.

The couple, who were friends at school, saw romance blossom when they met again at a dance and eventually moved down to Staffordshire in the early 1970s.

Retired mining engineer John, 80, explained: "I started my working life as a miner and this is what brought me to Staffordshire and we've been here ever since. After the pits closed I ended up running a couple of pubs in the Potteries before moving to the Wildwood area of Stafford.

"Our three children weren't sure about moving South of the border at first, they weren't very old and missed Scotland. But they all settled here and we now have nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren living nearby!"

Highlights of the anniversary celebrations included receiving a card from HM The Queen, a special family get together and the surprise party in the lounge at Jubilee Court, one of 18 specialist schemes managed by SARH to provide high quality independent living services for older residents in the borough.

Debbie Emmitt, Director of Neighbourhood Services at Stafford's largest landlord was on hand to present the couple with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of the SARH team.

"60 years of married life is certainly an achievement and our very best wishes are with John and Jane on this very special occasion." Debbie said.

"We're also very pleased to see them so settled at Jubilee Court where they've met plenty of new friends whilst continuing to maintain their independence."

Meanwhile Jane, 79, says the secret to such a long and successful marriage is: "Lots of love and a shared passion for Manchester United!"

Caption:John and Jane Wise receives a bouquet of flowers from SARH's Director of Neighbourhood Services, Debbie Emmitt

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Editor's Notes

Media contact:

Martin Farrow

CHANGEWORKS Communications
t:  + 44 (0) 1785 247588

m: +44 (0)7771 970025

e: mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk

Stafford and Rural Homes contact:

Mara Hargreaves
Marketing Manager

t:01785 216793 (Direct) 

m:07800 619 863 (Mobile)  

e: mara.hargreaves@sarh.co.uk