Colten Care home helps 'lovely couple' celebrate 65 years of wedded bliss

A couple celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary at a Colten Care home were “touched” to be presented with an engraved wood carving honouring their love story.

Staff at Avon Reach in Mudeford gave the gift to Bill Elvy, 94, and his wife Betty, 86, in honour of their song ‘A Tree in the Meadow’ by Margaret Whiting, featuring the line: “And carved upon that tree I see ‘I love you till I die’.” They adopted the song following regular visits to Bognor Regis where they often passed a distinctive tree.

The happy couple, who married in 1948, were also presented with flowers and a cake to celebrate their special day.

Mrs Elvy was overwhelmed by the home’s efforts to honour their anniversary and shared the secret to their long and happy marriage. She said: “I just can’t believe it. This is absolutely fantastic. It is a wonderful present and very kind.

“We argue like mad but always end up agreeing to disagree – that’s our secret of being together all these years.”

Her husband agreed, and said: “We’ve had our ups and downs but we’ve been very happy. As I often say to Betty, ‘I don’t know why I love you but I do’.”

Home manager Ruth Wildman said: “Bill and Betty are a lovely couple and very popular with staff and fellow residents.

“They were very touched to receive the wood carving. It’s a lovely romantic story.”