14/02/2026
We have had a very special Valentines Day this year, our resident Elaine and her husband David celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary ❤️
David and Elaine’s story began long before either of them realised they were writing it…
They had known each other since their school days in Bolton. They weren’t even courting at the time, in fact, they were often on their way home from dates with other people! Yet somehow, fate had a quiet way of intervening. They would find themselves meeting on the bus home, and after their stop, David would walk Elaine home, even then, something special was quietly growing, a friendship, an ease, a connection neither of them could quite ignore.
Life moved on. David went off to university, and one Christmas when he returned home, he did what many students might do, he spent all his money on an LP record, but that purchase would unexpectedly change everything.
On his way home, he bumped into Elaine and her friend on the bus. They invited him to a party. There was one problem, he had no money left. Determined not to miss the opportunity, David borrowed money from his Dad and went along anyway, and that night, at the party, their story truly began.
Not long after, on a trip to Manchester, David popped the question. No grand announcement, no elaborate planning, just the two of them deciding they would get engaged. They didn’t tell a soul until they returned home. It was entirely their own moment, simple, sincere and full of promise.
When David took a job in Teesside, they faced over a year of long distance, proving even then that distance was no match for determination and love.
They were married on Valentine’s Day 1976, a date perfectly chosen for a lifelong love story. That same day Bolton Wanderers were playing Newcastle united in the FA cup. As family lore has it, after the ceremony David saw the vicar making a swift exit so he could catch the match!
Their married life began and with it new chapters. In 1981 they moved to Barton in Northwich, already proud parents to Amy, born in 1981. Then in 1987 they moved to Congleton, where their family was complete with the arrival of Michael in 1982. Together, they built not just a home, but a life filled with warmth, laughter and unwavering support for one another.
Holidays became one of their great joys. Crete brought sunshine and relaxation, but Austria became their special place, somewhere that captured their hearts. They shared many wonderful trips there, including a memorable Grand Prix visit. One of David’s most treasured memories is of a long walk through the Austrian countryside, following a gentle stream that led to a beautiful green field, a moment of peace and connection that sealed their love, not just of the country, but for the life they were building together.
50 years on, they celebrated with a lovely anniversary meal, Champagne flowing, a beautiful cake and quiet contentment of two people who have shared a lifetime of memories.
From school bus stops up in Bolton, to secret engagements, long-distance devotion, football and Bolton Wanderers, family homes, Austrian countryside walks, fifty years of marriage - David and Elaine’s story is one of friendship, commitment, laughter and enduring love ❤️
With all our love,
From your Park Lane and Kingsley Family ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Kingsley Healthcare Group
