Anchor colleagues celebrate first Valentine’s Day since getting married

Activities Co-ordinator Joanne Meredith and Maintenance Person Jim Doherty both work at Anchor’s The Manor House in Knaresborough and celebrated their first Valentine’s Day as a married couple after tying the knot last year.  

Residents and colleagues at the care home celebrated a blessing of the marriage of Joanne and Jim Doherty in July 2023.  

Now they celebrated their first Valentine’s Day since their marriage - when Jim will be using his amazing cooking skills to serve up a special meal for the happy couple. 

And Joanne and Jim are not the only couple at The Manor House celebrating Valentine’s Day. Residents Clive and Maureen Richardson have been married 62 years and are looking forward to their first Valentine’s Day at the Manor House together. 

The Manor House played a full part in both couple’s celebrations. Local children were invited into the home on the big day to take part in a hearts and crafts morning with residents. 

Joanne said:

This is something we do every school holiday, and our residents love to sit and spend time with them. It is also giving back to the community in providing a free activity for children to enjoy, helping parents fill the days in the school holidays.

This was followed by a special lunch made by the home’s chefs with tables decorated with a romantic theme – the home’s residents love little details like that. 

Valentine’s Day afternoon saw vocalist Sally Hall performing her “That’s Amore” song show at the home, including costume changes during her performance. 

Joanne, 57, and Jim, 63, met eleven years ago at a Christmas party. They both joined the team at Anchor’s The Manor House Knaresborough a year later and their colleagues and residents have been behind them every step of the way. 

While the two were officially married earlier in 2023, the couple were delighted at the chance to have a blessing ceremony at the home and to share their joy with everyone. 

Clive, now 87, and Maureen, now 84, met through a friend who suggested they go out as a foursome. Maureen was the “mystery lady” of the four but her and Clive hit it off straight away and they were married at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Derby in 1961. 

Maureen moved into the Manor House three years ago and Clive moved in last year. They both still spend lots of time together, sometimes just sitting and holding hands.  
 
Asked what the secret of a long and happy marriage is Clive said:

It's about understanding one another - sometimes people say they are fine when they aren’t. Just tell each other exactly what’s on your mind. Communication is key to a long and happy marriage!

Klara Spatenkova, Manager at The Manor House Knaresborough care home, said:

We were very happy for Joanne and Jim when they got married last year and it was a privilege for our residents and colleagues to be able to bless their marriage later on. 

It is also lovely to see Clive and Maureen so happy together since Clive moved in. 

We are delighted to have been a part of both couple’s Valentine’s Day celebrations and I know the day will have a party atmosphere while also being a very tender, loving one. 

It was also a privilege for us to welcome local children and the lovely Sally Hall into our home during the course of the day.

For more information on Anchor’s The Manor House Knaresborough click here.