Savile Park couple offer romantic advice to young valentines

An older couple from Halifax currently living in Savile Park care home have offered romantic advice to young couples celebrating Valentine’s Day this week.

Derrick and Jean Hattersley, who have been married for 64 years, said the secret to their marriage was to always trust each other.

Jean, 84, who lives with Derrick, 88 in Savile Park, said: “Our most romantic day was our wedding day and since then every day has been special.

“Derrick is a very tolerant man and we have always faced our ups and downs together, and we were together at the births of our daughter Debra and son Richard.

“Our advice to young couples would be trust each other and to also give each other space. Valentine’s Day is a chance to show you care for someone you love and we are still in love after 64 years of marriage.”

Derrick added jokingly that the reason their marriage had lasted a long time was because he always did as he was told by Jean!

The couple, who were married at All Saints Church in Pitsmoor, near Sheffield, have two grandchildren, Leah and Kacey.

Derrick and Jean will be joining their friends at Savile Park for a Valentine’s ball in the care home’s pub “The Savile Arms” on Friday (14 February) where there will be music and love-themed games followed by a buffet.

Savile Park Manager Emma Littlewood 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 Derrick and Jean can offer younger couples advice.

“The party is part of Savile Park’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.”