Four care home residents enjoyed a trip to a Bury pub for a double date where they shared stories of how they met and their lives together.

Peter Richardson, 79, met his wife of 55-years, Lavinia, aged 75, when they were both in the Royal Air Force. He has lived at  Rose Court residential, nursing and dementia care home in Radcliffe since 2021. 

The couple still spend a lot of time together and enjoy taking part in the regular events at the care home hosted by the wellbeing team.

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Lavinia said: “Peter remembers very clearly how we met, and he tells me the story every time, how he waited for me outside the mess so we could have lunch together, that is what he was telling me in the picture, it’s a beautiful memory.”

Bob, 87, and Jean Barkess, 83, live at Rose Court together. In 2023, Bob moved in, and Jean joined him two months ago.

They love living together and can often be seen chatting away over a cup of tea.

Bob and Jean met in 1957 and have been together for almost 70 years.

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On Tuesday, March 14, Rose Court colleagues accompanied the couples at the Wellington Pub to enjoy an afternoon of dining and some live singing entertainment.

They regularly attend the ‘Cabaret Lunch club’ hosted by the pub.

Bob Barkess, who enjoyed half a bitter and a dram of whiskey, said: “I had a super time.

"I adore my wife very much and even though we sit together at mealtimes, sharing a meal in the pub is the best.

“We often used to go out for meals.”

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Allison Porter, wellbeing coordinator, said: “Our residents told me that it was like being young again.

“It was lovely to see them holding hands and sharing stories together. The love of our two couples is still very much alive.”

Jodie Whitehead, Rose Court deputy manager, said: “I think it is wonderful how we can facilitate and encourage our residents and their loved ones to continue and maintain their loving relationships.”