Warwick couple celebrates 65th wedding anniversary

Colin and Patricia Bloxham, who have lived in the town for more than 62 years, marked the milestone on August 26.

On the day, the couple were thrown a surprise meal at The Boathouse in Stratford by their daughters and their husbands – Natalie and David Nelson, Jackie and Peter Gascoigne and Colette and Mark Donaldson.

Before they married, Patricia (nee Ellis) lived in Althorpe Street in Leamington and Colin lived in St Margaret's Road in Whitnash.

They got married in 1961 in Margaret's Church in Whitnash when Patricia was aged 18 and Colin was aged 23.

They then lived with Colin's parents in Whitnash, before moving to Lakin Road in Warwick in 1964 – where they have lived since.

Colin was a machine operator at B&B Trailers in Leamington, which then became AL-KO. He was then a shop steward and then a convenor.

Patricia did office work in a jewellery factory up until she married Colin and then became a housewife.

Later she worked for many years as the cook at the former Zetland Arms Pub in Church Street in Warwick.

Speaking about her parent’s marriage, Natalie said: “I think what made the marriage last was understanding, forgiveness and old fashioned values.”

Colin, now aged 88, and Patricia, now aged 83, have two grandchildren, Christian and Nicholas Gascoigne, and five great grandchildren; Lewis, Thomas, Arthur, Oscar and Buckley.

Nowadays Colin enjoys reading and discography work of his music collection, watching DVDs and having a pint.

Whereas Patricia enjoys watching TV, visiting family and day trips out.