Diamond Wedding Anniversary Marks 60 Wonderful Years For Christina And Chris
Parris Lawn resident Christina and her husband Chris recently celebrated a remarkable 60 years of marriage - their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.
To mark the occasion, Christina and Chris were joined by friends from their Quaker Meeting in Ringmer and enjoyed a delicious cake, created specially by the chefs at Parris Lawn Care Home. Their family also hosted a get-together at nearby Ringmer Village Hall – a chance to share memories and celebrate the couple’s wonderful life together.
A Significant Meeting at Woodbrooke
Chris and Christina Lawson met in 1966 at Woodbrooke, former home of chocolate tycoon and philanthropist, George Cadbury, and established as Europe’s first permanent Quaker Study Centre in 1903. Woodbrooke offered courses and learning opportunities for Quakers from all over the world and the couple’s meeting was a fateful one. At the time, Chris lived in Malawi and Christina lived in Ghana - coincidentally, both were science teachers - but they refused to let geography stand in their way and were married later the same year at Sutton Quaker Meeting House.
From Africa to Lewes – A Shared Life Well Travelled
The couple settled down in Malawi and their two sons were born during the three years they lived there. After Malawi, the couple moved back to England and welcomed their third child, a daughter. They both returned to Woodbrooke in Birmingham - Chris as a tutor and Christina as a librarian – and in the years that followed they lived in Bournville, Minehead and most recently, locally in Lewes. Travel has always been a huge part of their lives and they have visited Quakers in many countries, including Japan, Norway, New Zealand and the USA.
Alongside international travel, both loved walking the South-West Coast Path and seeing different parts of Britain. Chris enjoyed photography and Christina became skilled at tapestry weaving, which she learned at Woodbrooke.
Family First – and a Card From the King
The couple’s central interest in life has always been their three children. Now there are seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild in the family, all of whom have been to visit them at Parris Lawn since Christina moved there in April, following a stroke earlier this year.
Chris takes every opportunity to be by Christina’s side and his smile and his cheerful demeanour are also appreciated by the team at Parris Lawn, who love the positivity Chris brings to the home on his visits. The staff were happy to share in the couple’s genuine pleasure at having been married for 60 years, and their celebration included opening a congratulatory card from the King and Queen – what a moment!
In honour of such a significant occasion, Chris brought both their legal and Quaker marriage certificates along to Parris Lawn. The couple are “thankful for all the years we have been together” and everyone would agree that a chance meeting in 1966 was the beginning of something very special for Christina and Chris.
A Warm Welcome to Parris Lawn
Tucked away in the peaceful village of Ringmer near Lewes, Parris Lawn Care Home offers a calm and comforting environment with beautiful views over the South Downs. With 62 individually styled rooms, each with an en-suite wet room, residents enjoy privacy and comfort tailored to their needs. Whether your loved one requires residential, nursing, dementia, or respite care, our compassionate team is here to provide personalised support every step of the way.
Life at Parris Lawn is about more than just care, it’s about creating meaningful moments. Residents can relax in our cosy cinema, socialise in the bistro café, or treat themselves to a fresh new look in the hair salon. Our varied activities, from creative arts and crafts to gentle exercise and group games, help keep minds and bodies engaged in a friendly and supportive setting.
We invite you to book a private visit and see our home for yourself. To arrange a visit, call 01276 536 040.
