Ilkley Couple Celebrates 50th Valentine's Day with Heartfelt Marriage Advice
Love and laughter filled the air at Care UK's Mayfield View care home on Lower Railway Road in Ilkley, as residents Cameron and Vivienne Stewert marked their 50th Valentine's Day together with a special romantic dinner. The couple, dressed elegantly for the occasion, enjoyed champagne and a meal prepared by the home's head chef, surrounded by festive decorations that set the mood for reminiscing.
A Love Story Born from Table Tennis
Cameron, 76, and Vivienne, 82, first met in 1976 at the Yorkshire Banks Sports Club, where a friend of Vivienne's worked. They were paired for a table tennis tournament and instantly connected. Vivienne recalled, "I missed a ball, and he was being cheeky, insinuating I was a learner." Their bond grew, leading to a quiet wedding in Horsforth in 1979. Today, they share a family of two daughters, four granddaughters, and one grandson.
Secrets to a Long and Happy Marriage
When asked for advice to young couples, Cameron emphasized practical steps: "Don't start a family too soon but get a pension and start saving early." Vivienne added that having a good sense of humour is crucial for navigating life's ups and downs together. Both share a passion for music—Cameron used to play the piano, while Vivienne is a trained opera singer with a fondness for Elvis Presley, which once made her consider a rock'n'roll career.
Inspiring the Care Home Community
Katie Cliff, Home Manager at Mayfield View, expressed how the couple's celebration uplifted everyone. "Cameron and Vivienne adore each other, and they're a real inspiration to us all here at Mayfield View," she said. "Moving into a care home doesn't mean the end of celebrating special milestones. Celebrating their 50th Valentine's Day together was a wonderful moment; it prompted other residents to share their own love stories, creating a day full of love, laughter, and happy memories."
The event highlighted that love and joy can thrive at any age, offering a heartwarming example of enduring partnership in the City of Bradford community.
