Andy and Mary Wilson, residents at Greenan Manor Care Home in Doonfoot, celebrated Andy's 80th birthday and their 56th wedding anniversary on the same day.
A love story that began at a barn dance
Mary and Andy first found love at a Barn Dance which Andy had helped to organise with East Ayrshire Motorsports Car Club. They got married in August 1970 at Kirkoswald Parish Church, followed by a reception at the Queens Hotel in Ayr, attended by more than 100 of their friends and family.
Mary explains that they got married on Andy's birthday so that Andy couldn't forget when their anniversary was – though when asked on the day, he said he had forgotten! Ayrshire born and bred, Mary is a former Head Teacher who worked all around Ayrshire, while Andy worked for Scottish Airlines at Prestwick Airport.
A special celebration at Greenan Manor
A keen motorsports fan, Andy has fond memories of travelling around Ayrshire with the Car Club. To celebrate their special day, the team at Meallmore-operated Greenan Manor arranged a meal in the fine dining room, which was decorated with balloons. The couple enjoyed a lovely celebration and toasted the day with some champagne.
When asked about the secret to a happy marriage, the couple said it's about “having a great friendship, keeping communication open and always having a laugh.” Andy and Mary moved into Greenan Manor in September 2024. They plan to continue having lovely meals and look forward to making many more happy memories together.
Manager praises the couple and team
Joe Janikowski, Care Home Manager at Greenan Manor Care Home, said: “We love having an opportunity to celebrate occasions with our residents, so it was extra special to have this double celebration.
“Andy and Mary are a wonderful couple, and it was a joy to see them both having a wonderful time on the day.
“We enjoyed hearing more about their lives together and laughing along with them as they shared fond anecdotes. Huge thanks to the team and the kitchen team for putting on such a lovely meal for Andy and Mary. It was a beautiful spread, and they both thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Meallmore currently operates 27 homes across Scotland.
