Beverley Couple Celebrates 66th Valentines Together: Their Three Secrets to a Lifetime of Love

With Valentines just around the corner, everyone's thinking about flowers and romantic gestures. But what's the real secret to a love that lasts a lifetime? Forget swiping right; some of the best advice comes from those who’ve been there and done that for decades. And it turns out, a couple from Beverley, now living in a Hornsea care home, have the story and the tips that might just put everything into perspective. David and Val Hodgeson are celebrating an incredible 66 years of marriage, and they've been sharing their secrets to a happy life together. Their story of enduring love is a proper slice of Yorkshire life, shared with us here at Yorkshire.com.

A proper Yorkshire romance

Picture this: it’s the good old days, and you’re at the seaside amusements in Bridlington. That’s exactly where David, now 88, and Val, now 87, first met. They were just school kids when their paths crossed at Joylands Amusements. Val was in town visiting her grandmother, and for David, it was an instant connection. It’s a classic story of young love blossoming by the coast.

“It was love at first sight,” David said. “Val had the most beautiful red hair I’d ever seen. I asked her if she wanted to ride on the bumper cars and said she could drive. When she went back to Leeds, we kept writing to each other – and the rest is history.” Think about that for a moment. No texts, no video calls, just good old-fashioned letter writing. They built their connection through words on a page, a testament to how deep their bond was from the very start. After their courtship, Val and David tied the knot in 1960 and set up their life together in Beverley, where David built a career as a solicitor. This Beverley couple’s journey from the bumper cars to building a life together is a truly romantic tale.

The secret to a long and happy marriage

So, what's the magic formula after 66 years of marriage? When asked what advice they’d give to young people today, both David and Val had some wonderfully simple, yet profound, wisdom to share. There was no complicated secret, just honest, practical advice that stands the test of time. Their main point was clear: take your time and build something real. Lasting relationships aren't built in a day.

Here’s a breakdown of their top tips for lasting love:

• Don’t rush into marriage: Both Val and David were clear on this. Getting to know someone properly is the foundation of any strong partnership.

• See the other person’s point of view: David stressed this one. It's about empathy and understanding, even when you don't agree. It's a key part of navigating the ups and downs all relationships face.

• Laugh a lot: This might be the most important piece of advice of all. Sharing laughter keeps the connection light and joyful. David added, “You have to work at marriage and relationships.” It’s a continuous effort, but one that is clearly worth it.

This advice from David and Val isn't just about marriage; it applies to all sorts of relationships. It’s about patience, kindness, and finding joy in the everyday moments. It’s a refreshing reminder in a world that often feels like it's moving too fast.

Celebrating love at Mere Hall

This year, for their 66th Valentines together, the team at Mere Hall, their residential care home, decided to do something special. They organised a private, romantic dining experience just for David and Val. It’s a lovely example of the kind of thoughtful care residents receive. The home, run by Care UK, is located on Strickland Drive and has become a real community for its residents.

Jan Gledhill, the Home Manager at Mere Hall, shared her thoughts on the celebration. “We were delighted to host a romantic meal to celebrate Valentine's Day for the wonderful David and Val. They are such a lovely couple who care about one another so much.” It’s clear the couple has made a big impression on everyone at the Hornsea care home.

Jan also mentioned how the occasion brought everyone together. “Celebrating Valentine’s Day has allowed many of the residents at Mere Hall to share their advice and wisdom about relationships and marriage – which we could all learn a lot from! It’s been wonderful to hear everyone’s memories and celebrate all these long and happy relationships. We’d like to say thank you to David and Val for sharing their story and advice with us – they truly are the perfect match!” This shows the brilliant sense of community and the level of care provided, which goes beyond just medical needs and focuses on emotional well-being.

More than just a place to live

It's clear that Mere Hall is more than just a care home; it's a place where residents can lead active and fulfilling lives. The facility provides full-time residential and specialist dementia care, as well as short-term respite and nursing care. The environment is designed to feel like a home, with fantastic amenities like its own café, a hair and beauty salon, and even a bowling green. There are also terraced balconies and plenty of space for residents to relax and socialise. It’s this kind of environment that helps people continue to live their lives to the fullest.

The provider, Care UK, is one of the country's largest, with over 40 years of experience. Their commitment to high-quality residential care is well-recognised; for two years running, they've won more major care sector awards than any other large provider. With plans to open more homes across the UK, including in locations like Birmingham, their focus on creating modern, comfortable homes continues to grow. This commitment to excellent care ensures that couples like David and Val have a supportive and happy place to continue their life together, receiving the nursing care and support they need while enjoying their long-lasting marriage.