Beech Hall care home couple offer romantic advice to young valentines

A centenarian and his wife from Leeds, living in Beech Hall care home have offered romantic advice to young couples celebrating Valentine’s Day this week.

Edgar and Linda Kennedy, who have been married for 44 years, said the secret to their marriage was to remain in love no matter what life throws at you.

Music lover Edgar, 102, who has lived at Anchor’s Beech Hall care home in Far Fold Lane, Armley, since January last year, said: “Our most romantic day was our wedding day and since then every day has been special. 
“We met through a mutual friend from the local operatic society while I was playing in the brass band. Linda and my shared interest in music meant we got on from the very start and we have been in love ever since. That’s the secret to our long marriage.
“Valentine’s Day is a chance to show you care for someone you love and we are still in love after 44 years of marriage.”

Linda, who married Edgar in Sheffield Register Office, agreed, stating: “My advice to young couples is to have your own interests as well as the same interests.”

Edgar and Linda will be joining their friends at Beech Hall for a Valentine’s lunch and afternoon tea on Friday (14 February) during which the residents will offer relationship advice to staff and exchange tales about their first dates.
Beech Hall Manager Vicky Gudgin said the Valentine’s party was part of a packed programme of activities at the care home.

She said: “This is such an exciting event. There will be lots of fun, colour and wonderful food all made from fresh seasonal ingredients. Older people have a life time of experience when it comes to love so it’s great Edgar and Linda can offer younger couples advice.
“The party is part of Beech Hall’s ongoing programme of interesting activities which aim to stimulate the residents physically and mentally.
“Such events are also a great occasion for residents to socialise with friends and their families.”