A Nottinghamshire couple, proving that true love stands the test of time, have celebrated an incredible 65 years of marriage, receiving a royal seal of approval for their milestone.
A Rock and Roll Romance
Roland Fox, aged 91, and his wife, Dinah, aged 83, recently marked their blue sapphire anniversary, a testament to their enduring bond. The couple, who now live separately with Dinah residing locally and Roland at Rusticus Care Home near Cotgrave, were the guests of honour at a special celebration.
Their journey began decades ago at a rock and roll club, where a young Dinah, just 15 years old, met Roland. After two years of courtship, a proposal followed in the most casual of ways. Dinah fondly recalls, "As we were saying goodnight, he casually said, 'I think we should get married,' and I agreed."
The Wedding Day and a Growing Family
The pair tied the knot on September 24, 1960, at a church near their home in Essex. Their wedding day had a uniquely rustic start, as they tended to their farm animals before heading to the ceremony. The celebration continued with a meal in the local village hall.
From that day forward, their family grew. Together, they have built a legacy that includes two sons, two granddaughters, and three great-grandchildren aged 16, 10, and 5.
The Secret to a Long and Happy Marriage
When asked to share the secret to their long and successful union, Dinah offered timeless wisdom. She advised, "Never go to bed on an argument, talk to each other, and have respect and tolerance." For the couple, the key to resolving disagreements lies in compromise.
Their advice for newlyweds is equally pragmatic: "Don’t imagine it’s all plain sailing. No one is perfect, you have to have a bit of give and take."
The anniversary was made even more memorable when the couple received a letter from King Charles and Queen Camilla, a gesture they described as "very special." On the day itself, Dinah visited Roland at the care home, where the staff presented them with a beautiful cake to honour the occasion.
Lucy, co-founder and director of the Church Farm Care group, which operates Rusticus, said: "It’s such a fantastic milestone to reach as a married couple, so we were delighted to be a part of their celebrations. It gave us the opportunity to learn even more about Roland... and his lovely wife Dinah who visits most days. We wish them every happiness."
