Tarring Manor Residents Ray And Cynthia Celebrate 70 Years Of Marriage At A Special Lunch

A very special occasion was marked on 12th November when Tarring Manor residents Ray and Cynthia were joined by family and friends for a beautiful lunch to celebrate their platinum wedding anniversary.

Ray and Cynthia had moved to Worthing in 2003 to be closer to their daughter Ruth and her husband Anthony. Twenty years later, they became the first residents to move into Tarring Manor Care Home when it opened in October 2023.

The team at Tarring Manor were delighted to host a celebratory lunch to mark this significant milestone. It was a happy, convivial gathering where the couple were joined by daughter Ruth, her husband Anthony, their younger son, Adam, and good friends Christine and Ian. Corks were popped, lunch was served and a congratulatory card from the King and Queen was proudly displayed. Cynthia recalled that some people had said “it will never last” when she and Ray got married 70 years ago. How wrong they were!

First Date at Hampton Court Palace for Post-War Pen Pals

Both Ray and Cynthia were children during WW11. Cynthia was born and raised in Hampton, Middlesex, while Ray grew up in Essex. Aged 14, Ray left home to join the Royal Navy where he thrived, at one point becoming the youngest Petty Officer.

During his naval career, Ray became friendly with one of the chefs on board - an advantageous friendship for a hungry young man! The chef asked if he would like to write to his sister Cynthia who was looking for a pen pal. When on leave, Ray went to meet Cynthia and they had their first date walking around the maze at Hampton Court Palace. The rest is history.

Ray’s Tailoring Skills Put to Good Use

After marrying in 1955, the couple moved to Essex near Ray’s family, and their daughter Ruth was born in 1957. The separation caused by Ray’s long sea voyages became difficult for Cynthia with a young baby to look after, and without her own family nearby. It was decided that Ray would leave the Royal Navy and he embarked upon new career with the prison service in Middlesex. During his time in the Royal Navy, Ray had learned tailoring skills and these were put to good use. He ran a workshop for young offenders, making various items on contract, such as pillowcases, and also altering clothing for young men who were being released. Later, as he approached retirement, Ray worked as a driver and assistant for the Midlands Area Director of the prison service.

A Working Mother Ahead of the Times

Cynthia was very much ahead of the times, becoming a full-time working mother once Ruth had reached the age of three, and enjoying many positions over the years as a Personal Assistant at CEO level. One role required her to interview and hire a typist and the successful applicant was 18-year-old Christine who, alongside her husband Ian, would become lifelong friends of Cynthia and Ray. The couple travelled from Eastbourne to join the family at Tarring Manor for the platinum wedding lunch.

Treasured Memories of Travels Around the Globe

Ray has always been a very keen gardener and spent many hours pottering in his immaculately kept garden. He also liked to play indoor bowls and had a keen interest in cars. Cynthia enjoyed socialising, playing card games and spending time with friends and family. Over the years, Ray and Cynthia were enthusiastic travellers and visited many parts of the world on holiday. The photo albums of their travels are amongst their most treasured possessions and are kept in their rooms.

Sunny Days and Simple Pleasures

Cynthia and Ray particularly love the summer days when they can sit together in the garden with a coffee and enjoy a visit from their family, which includes two adult grandsons, and two teenage great grandchildren, all living in the Worthing area.

When asked what was important in a relationship, Cynthia said “always kiss and make up before bedtime” – sound advice, and just part of the reason why the bond between Ray and Cynthia, despite the changes that inevitably come with age, is as strong as ever, 70 years on.

Experience Exceptional Care at Tarring Manor

Tarring Manor is a luxury, purpose-built care home nestled in the heart of Worthing, West Sussex, offering high-quality residential, dementia and palliative care in a warm and welcoming environment. Nursing care will also be available soon, further enhancing the support we provide.

Designed with comfort and wellbeing in mind, our home features spacious en-suite bedrooms, beautifully landscaped gardens and thoughtfully designed communal areas including a bistro café, cinema and hair salon. But it’s the people who make Tarring Manor truly special.

We invite you to book a private visit and see our home for yourself. To arrange a visit, call 01903 961 797.