This Valentine’s Day, Gillingham Grange care home in Chard is celebrating the love story of one of its resident couples, Carol and Cliff Blakeway, whose relationship epitomises a second chance at love in later life.
Carol and Cliff first met through a rowing club when they were in their thirties. At the time, both were married to other partners and had children, and Carol and her late husband were friends with Cliff through rowing.
They remained part of the same social circle for many years, but their own relationship did not begin until much later. Decades after first meeting, they began dating at 53 and 56. Two years later, in 1992, they married, beginning a new chapter that brought their families together.
Their early married life was spent in Henley-on-Thames, where Cliff continued coaching rowing and won several awards. Carol supported him at events, always present on the sidelines to cheer him on.
One memorable moment came during the 1994 Olympic Games, when Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent won gold. Carol was interviewed live on television, surprising her son Mike and his wife Emma, who saw her unexpectedly on the screen while watching from Australia.
Mike said, ‘Mum and Cliff are the most perfect couple, they are so devoted to each other.’
Carol and Cliff also enjoyed travelling, visiting countries including Japan, America, and Vietnam, and have always loved dances, parties, and social events with friends.
Now living together at Gillingham Grange, they continue the partnership they built later in life. When asked about the key to their long relationship, Cliff says, “Don’t hold grudges.” Carol adds, “And be each other’s best friend. That’s what worked for us.”
Amanda Whyte, the General Manager at Gillingham Grange, said, ‘Celebrating our first Valentine’s Day as a care home with couples like Carol and Cliff feels so special to us.
‘We’ll be helping our residents to mark Valentine’s Day with an afternoon tea and music from a live saxophone player – we hope to hear even more love stories soon.’
You can find out more about resident celebrations at Gillingham Grange during at the home’s monthly Fish and Chip Friday event, where all are welcome on the last Friday of the month to enjoy homemade fish and chips with the residents.
For more information or to book your place, call 01460 923169 or email [email protected].
