Page 52 • The HERALD • 8th October 2026 v THE HERALD - SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES v christinashomecare@hotmail.com Fully Qualified, Insured and Enhanced DBS Call me for a friendly informal chat to discuss whatever you or your loved ones needs are on 07579 766797 Christina’s Home Care Professional Independent Carer Covering Waterside and New Forest WE CARE, YOU CARE LEAP-YEAR MARRIAGE PROPOSAL IS CELEBRATED AT CARE HOME 65 YEARS ON One of the south’s longest-married couples celebrated their Blue Sapphire 65th wedding anniversary at the care home where they both live. Great grandparents June and Michael Pipes were naturally the centre of attention as they marked the occasion with a special a ernoon tea at Colten Care’s Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst. June earlier explained to sta how she proposed to Michael, not the other way round. She told them she had waited long enough for Michael to ask the question but when his proposal didn’t materialise she took advantage of 1960 being a leap year. At their Lincolnshire church’s New Year’s Eve party, the vicar asked the congregation what their hopes were for the coming 12 months, to which June replied: “To marry Michael Pipes!” Companionship Team Leader Jane Bunker said: “This was how Michael discovered her intentions. They were married nine months later in September 1961. Michael said he couldn’t believe he was so lucky to have June as his wife.” e couple rst met at Willersley Castle in Derbyshire where June was an activity organiser for holidaymakers. She remembers seeing Michael ride up to the castle on his push bike with an umbrella having come along to help with local walks. When asked for their secrets of a long marriage, both said separately that they never argue and that the person who feels strongly about something should get their way. The couple have three daughters - Debra, Kirsten and Sarah - six grandchildren and five great grandchildren with another on the way. June and Michael moved to Woodpeckers from their home in Brockenhurst in July 2026. Reflecting on their care since then and the anniversary celebration, June said: “The staff all make us feel part of a family, all the time. We haven’t had much to do with care homes before and we are so impressed with all the care and support we get in the home.” Michael said: “We are so impressed with everything that is done for us, not just celebrating our anniversary but every day. A special thank you to the chefs for a lovely afternoon tea and the beautiful cake.” Home Manager Anna Edwards said: “It was a pleasure to share the celebrations of June and Michael’s anniversary and see how happy they are as a couple. They are a wonderful addition to the Woodpeckers family.” e Pipes received a card from King Charles and Queen Camilla which read: “It gives us great pleasure to send our warmest good wishes to you…We hope your day will be filled with happy memories.” June and Michael Pipes celebrating their 65th Wedding Anniversary Monthly Social At Age Concern Romsey A monthly social takes place on the third Friday of the month, 2pm–3.30pm at Age Concern Romsey on Linden Road. £3 for co ee, cake and activities. For more information call: 01794 518 817 or email: o ce@ageconcernromsey.org.uk
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