Couple’s secret to a long, happy marriage

A Copthorne couple shared their secrets to a happy marriage on Valentine’s Day on Monday – after more than 68 years together.

Alan Pocock, 92, and Betty Pocock, 89, both at Care Uk’s Francis Court, reminisced about their early days as a couple as they revealed the secret to a long marriage – ‘to laugh together’.

When asked what advice they would give to young couples, the duo said: “Never expect too much from your partner.

“You must have trust and faith in them, but above all else, make sure you are happy and laughing – otherwise what’s the point!”

Alan and Betty met in 1948 where they went on their first date to the local cinema and married six years later on March, 6 1954.

The couple have two children and three grandchildren who often enjoy visiting them at Francis Court.

For their Valentine’s celebrations, the home’s chef planned a special meal, which included a prawn and cocktail starter, followed by steak, chips and peas for Alan and a roast chicken meal for Betty, followed by chocolatecovered strawberries.

Keen for the home’s setting to match the theme of the day, team members ensured love was truly in the air by decorating the home’s home cinema room with rose petals, flowers and balloons.