Ferndown, Health & Lifestyle | Posted on December 18th, 2025 | return to news

Platinum anniversary for Ferndown couple

Patricia and Brian Furnnell, who live in Ferndown Manor care home, celebrated 70 years of marriage with a party.

A couple living in a Ferndown care home have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Patricia Furnnell, 89, and her husband, Brian, 91, enjoyed a party organised by team members at Care UK’s Ferndown Manor on Golf Links Road.

To the couple’s surprise, they were joined by their son, Simon, for a small gathering, complete with a celebratory cake prepared by Ferndown Manor’s chef – and a special card from His Majesty the King.

Alongside their family and friends, the couple enjoyed plenty of laughter as they reminisced about their time together throughout the celebration – sharing their own advice for younger couples keen to reach seven decades together.

“Love each other every day and have faith in your partner,” the pair agreed.

Patricia, known as Trisha, first met Brian in 1953 when he was stationed in Newcastle for national service. As a newcomer, Brian joined the local church where the teenagers met. Their first date quickly followed – Sunday tea at Trisha’s home, marking the start of the journey.

The connection was instant. Brian described his first impression of Trisha as a ‘lovely girl’, while Trisha recalls Brian was a ‘bombshell’.

Two years later, the couple tied the knot in 1955 at St John’s Church in Newcastle, where her parents had also married. Recalling that special day, Trisha fondly said: “It was wet and rainy, but still a beautiful day.”

The pair moved down to Surrey, where Brian grew up, to start their own family. They raised their son, Peter, and daughter, Judith, who have since welcomed three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren to the family.

Over the years, the couple have shared their love of golf and badminton, with cherished memories of playing together as a family.

Answering the secret to finding lasting love, Brian said: “Be open to new experiences and you may find love. Be loving and giving, and you will receive it.”

Sara Muslin, home manager, said: “Trisha and Brian are such a lovely couple and a real joy to have here at Ferndown. You can always see how much they care for each other – whether they’re sharing a laugh or sitting together in the garden, it’s clear their bond is something really special.

“Celebrating their 70th anniversary was a wonderful moment for everyone. Hearing about their life together, from meeting through the church as teenagers to raising a family, was so inspiring.

“It was a day full of love, laughter and happy memories – which we’re so lucky to have been a part of.”