Hospital team help Pat and Jock celebrate 70 years of marriage
When 19-year old Jock Winton saw 15-year-old Pat walking home from work almost 75 years ago, it was love at first sight.
Luckily, she felt the same and they managed to convince Pat’s parents to allow them to marry once she had turned 19.
Their wedding took place in Woolwich on 1 October, 1955 – after Jock had finished his round as a postman that morning. The bride carried orange chrysanthemums and their honeymoon was on the Isle of Wight.
The couple went on to have two daughters, Lorraine and Maggie, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, and the family planned a celebration for their 70th anniversary this year.
Unfortunately, Pat fell and broke her hip three weeks before the big day, and is still recovering in the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.
The team on Bishopstone ward who are caring for her were determined to make the occasion as special as possible, and arranged a cake for the family to share.
Daughter Maggie said: “Mum and dad adore each other and it was such a shame they were not able to wake up together on their anniversary – this is the first one in 70 years they have woken up apart.
“But it was lovely to be able to celebrate on the ward, and mum said dad looked gorgeous in his smart suit for the occasion.
“We were hoping mum would be home for their anniversary but we had to make the best of the situation and it was so lovely of the ward team to organise the cake and help us celebrate.”
The couple lived in Eltham for 54 years but moved to Tankerton to be nearer family last year. They enjoy watching the sunset together from their favourite bench on Tankerton Slopes.
Maggie said: “We are so lucky to have them both here to celebrate their platinum anniversary.
“They got married at 11am, so we made sure we were on the ward then to celebrate. Dad had finished his deliveries that morning 70 years ago and went home to get changed before going to the church.
“It was a beautiful sunny day, and they remember on the train to their honeymoon as dad put their case up on a rack, a load of rice fell out of his suit, so everyone on the train realised they were newlyweds.
“They are still so romantic, always holding hands, and my dad has been so caring to mum while she has been in hospital.”
Bishopstone ward manager Kelli Smith said: “We were delighted to be able to provide the cake, and to listen to their stories.
“The family recreated black and white slides of their wedding into coloured photographs and they had many cards, including one from the King and Queen.
“Our aim was to try and make it as special as possible given the circumstances, and to help celebrate this incredible milestone and a couple who are clearly still very much in love.”