It takes something truly special to reach 67 years of marriage, but for one Derbyshire couple, a lifetime of love started with a very strategic wedding date and a firm rule to never argue. Boulton Moor couple Lorna, 88, and Derek Skidmore, 90, recently marked their remarkable milestone, taking a beautiful trip down memory lane to celebrate nearly seven decades of togetherness.
A Wedding Date Chosen for Family
The couple originally tied the knot on Whit Monday in May of 1959 at St Giles Church in Normanton, Derby. At the time, Derek was proudly serving in the RAF while Lorna worked as a shorthand typist. Choosing a Monday for a wedding was a bit unorthodox, but it came down to a very practical family matter. Derek said: “It was unusual to marry on Whit Monday, but Lorna’s father owned a greengrocer and told us that if we married on the Saturday, he wouldn’t be there because that was his most popular day!”
Honeymoon and Family Life
Following their memorable big day, the newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon in Jersey. They later went on to welcome two children, Martin and Elaine, building a wonderful life together.
Celebrating at Bowesbury Care Home
To celebrate their 67th anniversary, the dedicated staff at their Bowesbury care home run by Crystal Care Collection made sure the day was unforgettable. Lorna and Derek spent the morning looking through all of their old wedding photos before the Bowesbury team surprised them with a gorgeous homemade cake.
Secret to a Happy Marriage
When asked for their advice on keeping a long and happy marriage, Lorna and Derek agreed: “Always talk things through; don’t argue.”
The milestone was a joyful occasion not just for the family, but for the entire care home community. Sarah Francis, general manager at Bowesbury, said: “It was a pleasure to help Lorna and Derek celebrate their 67th wedding anniversary, and to hear all of their incredible memories. Being able to support our residents in marking special occasions is something we treasure at Bowesbury, and we’re so glad they enjoyed their day.”
Community Invitation
Local residents who want to experience the warm community spirit at Bowesbury can visit the home's weekly community event, Trivia Tuesdays. Everyone is welcome from 2.30pm for a fun afternoon of general knowledge alongside the residents. For more information, you can call 01332 313 007 or email hello@bowesbury.co.uk.
