In celebration of Valentine’s Day, we wanted to find a special love story to share and meeting Wendy and Keith Edwards from our Bradwell, Braintree Group was both a privilege and a pleasure. The couple are so close and strike me as if the 66 years of marriage have been enormously happy, filled with adventure and packed with memories.
This was absolutely love at first sight and since their meeting at that dance so many years ago, Wendy and Keith have been utterly devoted to one another. Keith was based at RAF Lyneham where he served as an engine mechanic. Wendy worked in the offices of the British Railways based in Swindon, one of the most important historic railway towns in England.
Both universes collided when they attended a local big band dance and Keith was tasked with finding three ladies to join the square dance. Looking at Wendy with her lovely gentle smile, I can imagine how beautiful she looked in her circular green skirt and yellow blouse and how Keith was instantly smitten. I can also see how attractive Keith must have been to Wendy, a complete gentleman with a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a kind easy charm.
Although both Wendy and Keith had partners at the time, that evening changed the course of their lives forever, seeing each other almost every night after that. It was a four-year courtship whilst Keith completed his duties at the RAF followed by the wedding and a honeymoon in the festive town of Brighton.
Being blessed with two daughters and four grandchildren they are a close-knit family who all enjoy a party, getting together at any opportunity and making the most of every moment together. The next landmark event is to be their granddaughter Abigail’s wedding to be held on the 5th of June to coincide with another happy occasion, the queen’s Platinum jubilee.
The couple have travelled far and wide to New Zealand, Russia, Germany, India, Egypt, America, and Canada and when I ask Wendy what her favorite destination was she says, “They were all wonderful, if you have the right attitude in life you find the best in every situation. I love coming back to England though, at the end of the day, home is where the heart is.” Both are quick to add that they would love to visit Japan, it is firmly on their bucket list.
The couple regularly attend the Oasis group and it was a fine opportunity to find out what they thought of all aspects of our service. They both agreed that the atmosphere in the group was very good and inclusive. They always feel welcome and have made many friends – it is their happy place. When asked about the staff, they said that they were extremely helpful, friendly, and supportive.
Wendy specifically commented on how they had noticed that everyone who attended the group, were treated with the utmost dignity and respect.
Of course, when it came to the catering arrangements, I had a very enthusiastic response with both complimenting the food and saying that it was something that they really looked forward to each time they visit.
I left the meeting with Wendy and Keith feeling really uplifted. This is an inspiring couple, who even in the face of some adversity have allowed their positive outlook to shape their view of the world. They believe, that since we never know what is round the corner, we need to live our best life and try to get the most of out of every day.
We thank them both for sharing their amazing history and showing us how devotion and kindness to one another has shaped their story – HAPPY VALENTINES DAY MR & MRS EDWARDS