Steyning couple mark 74 years of marriage together at care home

Bill Williamson, 98, moved into Croft Meadow care home in Steyning in December 2019. Within less than a month his wife, 95-year-old Betty, moved to the home so she could remain with her husband.

Bill, a former RAF pilot and Betty, who worked at the Home Office, married in Middlesex in August 1946. They lived most of their life in Kingston-upon-Thames before moving to West Sussex in the 1990s to be closer to their family.

Prior to moving into Croft Meadow, the couple – who have four grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren – remained keen dancers and bowls players, despite their age.

Betty said: “Myself and Bill have had a very happy 74 years because we have always done everything together. We first met at a birthday party and it was love at first sight – we’ve been by each other’s side ever since.

“Just a month apart at the end of 2019 was too hard, which was why I decided to move into Croft Meadow.”

Home manager Andy Burt added: “Bill and Betty are the epitome of what every couple strives to be. It is a pleasure to have them in the home and we were delighted to celebrate their impressive anniversary with the other residents in the home.”

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