HC-One’s Woodthorpe Lodge Care Home, in Loughborough, Leicestershire, was delighted to host a very special celebration on Thursday, October 2, in celebration of residents David and Margot Gabe, who marked their remarkable milestone of 60 years of marriage.
This anniversary celebration was an opportunity to bring together family, friends and colleagues to recognise a lifetime of love, commitment, and community spirit. David and Margot, both originally from Cardiff, first met at church and enjoyed a close friendship for ten years before marrying in 1965.
Their lives have been filled with achievement and service. Professor David Gabe built an esteemed career as a metallurgy scientist at Port Talbot Steel in Wales.
He later became Head of Department and lecturer in Materials Engineering at Loughborough University. Margot Gabe worked for the Civil Service and dedicated much of her life to voluntary and charity work, all while raising their two sons, Martin and Andrew.
Together, they also played an active role in the Baptist church and choir, strengthening their ties to the local community. To celebrate their Diamond Anniversary, Woodthorpe Lodge organised a party for around 25 guests, including family and close friends.
The home was decorated with flowers, balloons and a stunning cake, and the couple were delighted to receive a congratulatory card from His Majesty the King and Queen. The event was filled with laughter, love, and music, creating memories that David, Margot, their family, and the Woodthorpe Lodge community will treasure for years to come.
When asked their secret to a long and happy marriage, David and Margot said:
“We both felt that being such good friends for so many years gave us a wonderful foundation for our relationship. Once things changed, we were married just six months later.
“We’ve always shared many interests, especially our love of music and the church, which also meant we shared many friends. We’ve truly grown together through all of life’s seasons.”
Natasha Birkin, HC-One’s Woodthorpe Lodge Care Home Manager, stated:
“It was such an honour to celebrate this very special occasion with David and Margot. They have both given so much to their family and their community over the years, and it was wonderful to see them surrounded by love and joy on their Diamond Anniversary.”
Woodthorpe Lodge has been celebrating recent activities and events with residents and families, reflecting on cosy autumnal days ahead including upcoming seasonal highlights and other autumn-themed events, offering opportunities for meaningful connections and community engagement.
New residents joining before November 30, 2025, can enjoy four weeks for the price of three, experiencing life at Woodthorpe Lodge firsthand. Embrace the warmth of a kind community this Autumn. Visit Woodthorpe Lodge - Care Home in Loughborough, Leicestershire| HC One to find out more about life at the home.