Couple of 70 years prepare for first Valentine’s Day in new care home
An elderly couple who moved into a care home during the pandemic so they could stay together enjoyed some romantic celebrations this week ahead of their first Valentine’s Day in the home, complete with a two-course meal put on by staff.
Davie (93) and Margaret Hunter (89), who first met 71 years ago in the Schweppes factory where they worked together, moved into Renaissance Care’s Rosepark Care Home last month following a family decision that Mrs Hunter would be better off being looked after by qualified care and nursing staff.
However, the pair decided they simply could not be without one another so opted to move into the home together, and have quickly settled in with each other by their side.
As the only couple in the Uddingston home, and having joined during such a challenging time, staff wanted to make sure this year’s Valentine’s Day celebrations were made extra special. Activity co-ordinator Annette Frew and her colleagues prepared a two-course lunch, with help from the home’s chef and the local Aldi in Bellshill which provided a host of romantic treats.
The Renaissance Care Rosepark Care team made sure the setting for the couple’s meal of baked salmon with potatoes, love-heart short-bread and strawberry ice-cream and cakes, was love-themed with Anette and a fellow carer’s own wedding dresses as the backdrop, as well as the flowers, cards and chocolates from Aldi perfectly placed on their dining table.
The lovebirds, who are approaching their 70th wedding anniversary have two children and three grandchildren, put their long and happy marriage down to simply ‘getting on so well’ and ‘just liking each other’.
Davie has always made Margaret laugh. Margaret remembers in their courting days Davie would stay behind after his shift to sweet-talk her resulting in him missing his bus home to Yoker almost every night. Davie said: “Her granny used to say, ‘that poor boy’ because I was always missing the bus and having to cycle all the way home just so I could stay and talk to Margaret.”.
After their wedding in Balornock Chapel and a reception at Margaret’s mum’s house, which cost all of £25, Davie remained smitten with Margaret, making sure to fuss over her every Valentine’s Day with flowers and a card.
However, Margaret had other ideas of her husband’s romantic side. This year, before the afternoon-tea Davie handed Margaret a rose he made in the home’s art class to which Margaret replied ‘Well, that’s a first!”.
The couple have been enjoying their time in the home and have been blown away by the staff’s kindness. Margaret commented: “The staff are all lovely, they have gone to so much bother to make us feel welcome. They would do anything for you!”
Annette Frew, activity co-ordinator, said: “We always like to make sure we do something unique for the individuals at the home, and as our only couple in Rosepark, we thought Valentine’s Day would be the perfect time to treat Margaret and Davie.
“All the staff have pulled together to make their day special, and I’d like to thank them and Aldi, for their very kind donation which has added some extra romance to Mrs and Mrs Hunter’s Valentine’s Day.”
Graham Nicolson, Aldi Scotland Group Buying Director, commented: “It was fantastic to have helped support the team at Renaissance Care’s Rosepark Care Home in creating a memorable day for both Margaret and David.
“The efforts of all staff at Renaissance Care during the pandemic has been inspiring and on the behalf of Aldi Scotland I hope Margaret and David and the Rosepark Care Home team enjoy the special range of Valentine’s Day treats our local Aldi store has donated.”
