Patience is the key say Wixams couple celebrating Diamond Anniversary

The secret to a long and happy relationship is having ‘patience’ with your beloved, say a Wixams couple celebrating 60 years of marriage.

Reg and Olivia Hibbert were asked for their advice during a special celebration at Elstow Manor Care Home on Bedford Road, where they both live.

The Hibberts met at a dance at the Bass Brewery in Burton-on-Trent, where they both worked back in the 1960s.

Now, six decades on, they celebrated their love surrounded by well-wishers and enjoyed a romantic dinner in the care home’s private dining room.

Reg, aged 87, said: “We’ve had a wonderful day celebrating our diamond wedding anniversary.

“The secret to a happy marriage is to have patience, listen to your partner and never let disagreements go unsolved.

“I believe you should show your partner love and respect always, as much as you did on the day you got married.”

The couple were joined by their niece Gail Shreeves, whom they moved to Elstow Manor to be closer to.

Reg, a retired engineer, and Olivia, 90, who worked as a secretary at Bass Brewery, lived in Cowbridge, South Wales, before coming to live in Bedford.

Elstow Manor’s Customer Relations Manager Val Foley said it was a privilege to spoil Reg and Olivia on their milestone anniversary.

Val said: “Reg and Olivia are a wonderful couple – they spend all their time together and are always looking out for each other.

“We wanted to make their day as special as they are, so there were gifts, flowers, and a celebration cake.

“It was lovely to see how much they enjoyed their romantic dinner and to hear their marriage advice. They are a true inspiration.”