Love was in the air at HC-One’s Sandon House Care Home in Mossley, Tameside, Greater Manchester, as residents Rosalie, aged 88 and Jim Matthews, aged 87, celebrated their remarkable 69th wedding anniversary on Monday, May 19 surrounded by fellow residents and care colleagues.
The couple marked the special occasion with a toast of Baileys during lunch, raising glasses in celebration of nearly seven decades of love and companionship. The home’s kitchen team also crafted a beautiful anniversary cake, which was enjoyed by all as part of the heartfelt celebration.
The morning began with a quiet moment of reflection as Rosalie and Jim looked through their cherished wedding photos over breakfast. The couple reminisced about the day they tied the knot at Wagon Road Methodist Church.
Rosalie wore a unique blue dress, lovingly made by her Auntie Alice, with a white hat. The intimate ceremony included one bridesmaid – Rosalie’s school friend – and one best man, Jim’s lifelong friend.
Their love story began at a local dance hall in Mossley, where they first met. When Jim later joined the army, the couple stayed connected through heartfelt letters, deepening their bond despite the distance.
They married shortly after and welcomed their daughter when Rosalie was just 20 years old.
Lynne Campbell, HC-One’s Sandon House Care Home’s Manager, said:
"It’s a true honour to celebrate such a beautiful and enduring love story. Rosalie and Jim are an inspiration to all of us here, and it’s been a joy to share this milestone with them.
"The entire team at Sandon House community extends its warmest congratulations to Rosalie and Jim on their 69th anniversary and wishes them many more moments of happiness together."