19/05/2026
We bring you a resident feature with a twist this month in honour of Landale Court residents Isobel and Alan, who are celebrating an incredible sixty years together (that’s 21,900 days!) 💎
Here Isobel shares how they celebrated their incredible milestone Diamond Anniversary at our very own, Slate and Grain restaurant.
‘We moved here in 2023 and we both love it. What better place to celebrate our landmark anniversary than with family and friends at our home at Landale Court. It’s been a tricky year with Alan in hospital for the majority of the year which meant our actual anniversary (26th March) was spent sitting around his hospital bed with a few special friends. We are incredibly happy to finally celebrate with everyone we love now that Alan is home.
Alan and I met in the Navy - he was a Fleet Air Mechanic and I was in the Women’s Royal Navy service - the WRENS as it was then. I’d love to say it was a big romantic engagement but it was actually over the phone after I’d moved on and Alan was still there! I’d known him for six years and at 25, I was probably considered an older bride as it was common to get married younger, but I took my time - I didn’t want to rush into anything.
It clearly turned out to be a good thing - we’re both very proud of our sixty years together, a marriage rooted in trust and companionship and in sharing the same values. I think that’s the most important thing. We led a rich life through the Church over the years with holidays to festivals with the Church community. We weren’t big travellers but prioritised seeing family abroad - one of our two sons in San Francisco and my sister in South Africa - both places we love.
We’re very different as people, but they say opposites attract! Alan is very laid back and quiet. He’s also very stoic, he doesn’t grumble about things, he gets on with life and I admire that about him. Most of all he’s dependable. I’m more active, physically and mentally - I’ve always loved sport and have a horse riding background which has stayed with me - I’m the planner and the doer!’ 💕
A guest per year
Celebrating with our friends and family has been wonderful. We organised a tea party at the Slate and Grain - our lovely on-site restaurant, and invited 60 guests - a third of whom are friends we’ve made here at Brio!
We were delighted to receive a card from the King and Queen. Much to our surprise we were also sent a card from the Lord Lieutenant of Kincardineshire - organised by a friend.
It’s been a special time. As all marriages do, we've had our ups and downs and I know many aren’t as fortunate as us, but I think living by the same philosophy has helped us remain stable and happy. Celebrating sixty years where we live, surrounded by friends new and old, is a great privilege. 🥰
