Eastbourne couple separated by lockdown celebrate their wedding anniversary with photo memories

An album of wedding photos helped to connect a couple separated on their anniversary for the first time in more than 60 years.
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Shirley Davison, 86, met up with her husband, Roy, in the garden room at Beechwood Grove care home in Eastbourne where she has lived for the last two years. It was the first time since they got married in 1956 that the couple had not been able to celebrate hand in hand.

Caroline Braime, home manager, said: “Shirley and Roy are such a lovely couple. Roy would normally visit every day but coronavirus has kept them apart in recent months. Although they weren’t able to hold each other we were glad we had the garden room to bring them close together.”

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The garden room has a clear screen with an intercom that allows them to hear each other clearly.

Roy sends Shirley roses for Valentine's DayRoy sends Shirley roses for Valentine's Day
Roy sends Shirley roses for Valentine's Day

Roy and Shirley first met in London when they were both working at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Shirley was a secretary and Roy joined the organisation in the printing department after leaving the RAF.

A photo of the premises on Piccadilly was among the collection their son, Lawrence, shared with his parents on their visit.

Roy was not able to visit Shirley again on Valentine’s Day but he sent her a rose bush with a special message to his ‘Dearest Shirley’.

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Their son Lawrence said: “Their separation has been very difficult. Dad has found it very hard. Mum isn’t great with video calls as she struggles to hear and see clearly and we really value the staff’s efforts to keep the communication between them going in a way that works. We are all looking forward to restrictions being eased but especially Dad – he just wants to be able to give mum a hug.”

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