At HC-One’s Meadow Bank House Care Home in Bolton, Manchester, residents have been sharing and reminiscing about their own love stories to mark Valentine’s Day.
Residents Albert, better known as Fred, aged 90 and Joyce Heywood, aged 88, have revealed their beautiful journey of love, family, joy and adventure as well as their pearls of wisdom and advice with fellow residents and colleagues at the home.
Both Albert and Joyce come from humble backgrounds and beginnings. Fred was born in May 1934 and worked in car sales whilst Joyce, who was born in June 1936, worked in retail, selling hosiery and making alterations.
Fred and Joyce first met in Bolton when they crossed paths at the Bolton Palais Dance in 1956. Fred was 22 and Joyce was 20 when they first met, which sparked a lifelong partnership that was built on their shared dreams and deep affection for each another.
Fred and Joyce’s love for each other quickly blossomed and Fred proposed to Joyce on her 21st birthday on June 7, 1957. The couple celebrated their engagement with a memorable holiday in Italy with friends which marked the beginning on their shared passion for travel.
On September 1, 1958, Fred and Joyce were married in St Patrick’s Church on Great Moor Street in Bolton. The wedding ceremony was a joyous occasion which brought both of their families and friends together to celebrate their union.
Joyce continued working in retail until her and Fred decided to start a family, which led Joyce to devote herself to being a stay-at-home mum. Fred and Joyce had three children together – their first daughter Susan in 1959, their son John in 1962 and their third child and youngest daughter Nina in 1968.
Family was everything at the heart of what Fred and Joyce did and their children grew up surrounded by love and support. Fred and Joyce went on to welcome eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Fred and Joyce enjoy spending time with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, celebrating milestones and creating memories with them that will last a lifetime. Fred retired at the age of 54, which marked the beginning of a new chapter in both Fred and Joyce’s lives.
The married couple embraced their love for travel and started exploring the world together, as they visited places as far and wide as South America, Alaska, the Falklands, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, China, and Japan. Among all their travels, their ‘happy place’ was Lanzarote, where they spent a month each year in January and February, soaking up the winter sun.
In their later years, their paths briefly diverged as Fred moved into Meadow Bank House Care Home in December 2022. However, Joyce joined Fred and moved into Meadow Bank House in May 2024, where the couple was joyfully reunited.
When asked what their secret was to a long and happy marriage, Fred and Joyce Heywood, commented:
“We did and still do everything together. Our bond of partnership and mutual respect has carried us through the highs and lows of life.”
Jincy Lukose, HC-One’s Meadow Bank House Care Home Manager, said:
“Fred and Joyce’s love story is a testament to true love, commitment, and the beauty of shared experiences. Fred and Joyce’s love story has a legacy of warmth, laughter, and shows a family deeply enriched by their love for each other.”
For more information on HC-One homes in your area visit
www.hc-one.co.uk/carehomes