Billy the budgie helps lovebirds celebrate 67th wedding anniversary

Anchor residents Arthur and Maureen Cawood have prepared for their first Valentine’s Day in a care home together – by celebrating their 67th wedding anniversary with their beloved pet budgie Billy. 

The couple, now both 89, live at Oulton Manor in Leeds and can look back on a lifelong love story that truly warms the heart.

When Maureen was recently diagnosed with dementia and Arthur was told she needed more care, they decided to move into the home together because he could not bear the thought of being without her. It was an act of love typical of the couple who met when they were just 19 and married at the age of 23.

Arthur was born and raised in a pub in Holbeck, a suburb south of Leeds city centre. Maureen’s dad liked a pint and a game of dominoes and one night he took his daughter to the pub with him.

Arthur’s interest was immediately piqued and he asked his mum who the lady was. There was only three weeks difference in their ages and they soon got together.

At the time, Maureen worked in accounts for a company called Gallons and Arthur was an apprentice until he was called up for national service for two years as an RAF policeman. Arthur later had a career at the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance until retirement in 1992.

Maureen worked as a cashier for Leeds city police force and then as an internal auditor for the West Riding force until retirement.  She also ran a sub-committee determining what posts could be filled by civilians and took one of the posts herself.

Outside of work, they were both keen canal boat enthusiasts and still share many happy memories from their time on the water. This included an extensive trip up and down the country to London and back three weeks after they retired.

When they returned they helped set up what is now Thorne Cruising Club – Arthur becoming treasurer and Maureen the secretary for 15 years. They are still members today despite having sold their boat.

Arthur and Maureen were married at St Matthew’s Church in Holbeck on 5th January 1957. For their recent anniversary, they enjoyed special wedding anniversary meals at Oulton Manor and are now looking forward to seeing what the home has in store for them for Valentine’s Day.

They can both be found at all the live entertainment within the home. They also enjoy spending time together in their room including looking after Billy who like Arthur and Maureen has settled in well to life at Oulton Manor.

Chris Dennis, Oulton Manor’s Lifestyle co-ordinator said:

It has been lovely having Arthur and Maureen sharing memories with us here at Oulton Manor. What a privilege it has been to be a part of their wonderful story and we can’t wait to help them celebrate Valentine’s day.

Oulton Manor is on the outskirts of Leeds and provides people in later life with residential and dementia care. To find out more about Oulton Manor, click here.