Sidmouth Couple Celebrate Rare Blue Sapphire Anniversary
Brenda and Chris Jupp celebrated their remarkable 65th wedding anniversary – known as a Blue Sapphire Anniversary – with a joyful party at Vale View Heights Care Home, surrounded by family, friends and the caring team.
The milestone anniversary, which is extremely rare in the UK, was marked with a personalised anniversary card from King Charles and The Queen Consort, which took pride of place during the celebrations.
Brenda, 88, and Chris, 91, first met at a dance hall on New Year's Eve, 1957, beginning a love story that has so far spanned nearly seven decades. After a three-year courtship, they married on 21st May 1960.
Chris built a successful career as an engineer, working for prestigious companies including Vickers-Armstrongs and Westland Helicopters. Brenda trained as a dressmaker and opened her own restaurant, before moving into various retail roles. Enjoying the excitement and challenge of change, they moved house twelve times across Kent, Dorset and Devon.
The couple raised two daughters, Andria and Beverley, and are proud grandparents to four granddaughters.
Brenda has been a resident at Vale View Heights for two and a half years, where she actively participates in the home's varied activity programme, particularly enjoying cookery sessions and bingo. Chris, demonstrating the devotion that has characterised their marriage, visits her every day, often joined by other family members.
When asked about the secret to their long and successful marriage, Brenda shared: "The key is mutual respect and remembering your wedding vows. We've always treated each other with kindness and kept the promises we made on our wedding day."
Chris reflected on their life together, saying: "We have done and achieved many things in our lives, but perhaps our full and happy marriage is our greatest success. Looking back over 65 years, I couldn't be more grateful for the fabulous life we've built together."
Tselane Selokoma Leepile, Care Home Manager at Vale View Heights, commented: "We were absolutely delighted to celebrate this very special occasion with Brenda, Chris and their family. Their happy and enduring marriage is truly inspiring, and it was wonderful to see them surrounded by so much love and joy.”
Vale View Heights provides residential, dementia, nursing and respite care for up to 50 residents. The home is a warm and welcoming environment where independence is encouraged, and individuality is celebrated. Vale View offers stunning views over the Sid Valley and of the home’s own mature gardens. https://valeviewheights.com
