Residents At Charity’s Hampshire Care Home Celebrate Their Love For Each Other
Love was in the air this Valentine’s Day at The Lawn, the Alton-based residential care home run by Charity, Friends of the Elderly, which is celebrating its 120th Anniversary this year, when residents Robin and Clare Cooke celebrated their love for each other and reminisced their long and happy marriage.
Robin, who worked in The Army and Clare, a Midwife, made The Lawn their home in 2024 after many years of moving due to Robin’s job. “I worked for The Army for over 30 years and during that time, we moved home 35 times,” said Robin.
The couple – who will be celebrating their 64th Wedding Anniversary this year – met in Germany and both agree it was love at first sight. “When I first saw Robin, I knew instantly that he was the man of my dreams and the one for me,” said Clare. “It was just like the movies,” added Robin. “Our eyes met, and that was it, I was gone – I literally fell head over heels in love the moment I saw her.”
For their first date, Robin took Claire to a football match. “I love football, so I was extremely happy that Clare enjoys ‘The Beautiful Game’ too,” continued Robin. It didn’t take long for Robin to pop the question. “We were having a chat over a cup of tea at my flat and all of a sudden, Robin got down on one knee and proposed,” said Clare. “I said yes in a heartbeat, and the rest is history.”
The happy couple tied the knot on 9th September 1961 in Dorset and hopped over the county border to Cornwall for their honeymoon. “Our wedding was a lovely day,” continued Clare.
“The Service was perfect and the Reception turned into a great party. Our first dance was to a real classic – ‘When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob Bobbin’ Along’. So many talented singers have recorded the song – Al Jolson, Louis Armstrong and Dean Martin – but we went with Doris Day’s rendition.”
Robin and Clare share many interests, but their favourite is gardening. “We got so much enjoyment out of gardening over the years,” said Robin. “We both loved seeing the different bulbs we planted grow into beautiful flowers. Something so simple is so rewarding,” continued Robin. “With spring just around the corner, we’re looking forward to seeing what blooms in The Lawn’s lovely gardens and, hopefully, lending the Gardener a hand from time to time,” added Clare.
“Clare and Robin are a wonderful couple and have a lovely, wide group of friends here at The Lawn. Their landmark anniversary this year will definitely be a day to celebrate – 64 years of marriage is an occasion to honour and treasure.
“However, we couldn’t let Valentine’s Day go by without spoiling the lovely pair. We wanted to celebrate with them to let them know just how special they are and how special they are to all of us here at The Lawn,” said Alina Gutu, the Registered Manager at the care home.
“We transformed our beautiful Lounge into a romantic Valentine’s Day restaurant, complete with roses, banners, confetti and a pianist who serenaded the couple whilst they enjoyed a delicious three-course lunch,” continued Alina.
Talking about their long and happy marriage, Robin and Clare believe their secret is simple. “Respect each other, laugh every day and most importantly, love each other unconditionally,” said Clare.
“Clare is an amazing Wife, I love spending every day with her and love her more every day,” added Robin.
“Robin is my soulmate and I’m his. We’re always there for each other, no matter what,” added Clare.
“We both had a lovely time,” said Robin. “Our Valentine’s Day lunch was delicious, the Lounge was decorated beautifully and all the care team made such a fuss of us, it was fantastic,” said Robin.
“Robin and Clare are a great couple and so special to us. They are so much fun to be around; they are always laughing and joking together – and with the care team. We are so pleased they enjoyed the Valentine’s Day treat and we’re now looking forward to celebrating their 64th Wedding Anniversary in September,” concluded Alina.
