TWO lovebirds from a Dedham care home have been sharing the secrets of a happy relationship after spending over 70 years together.

Shelagh and John Bouckley met when Sheila was aged 17, and they have been together ever since.

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, the couple have been sharing their secrets to a long and happy relationship.

The happy couple live at Blackbrook House, a care home in Dedham, spending their days together and reminiscing about their married life.

For young people searching for love, Mrs Bouckley had some important advice on how to keep a relationship going.

She said: “You’ll have a successful relationship if you communicate, listen to each other and share interests. When you meet that special person you know they are the one. You can feel it.

“My advice to young Valentines would be to listen to each other and always discuss issues and learn from them. Nobody is perfect so you need to learn to compromise.

“Be totally honest with each other and with all those you meet in life. Don’t be afraid to be honest with your feelings too.

“Valentine’s Day is a chance to show you care for someone you love, so do it.”

On the big day, they will be joining their friends at Blackbrook House for an exciting afternoon of Valentine’s Day activities.

The events will include a special Valentine’s Day lunch, complete with love heart cookies, and fun activities, such as sharing funny love stories, watching romantic films and making valentines cards.

Lucy Yarham, deputy manager of Blackbrook House, said: “Everyone always loves the feeling of love and joy it brings, and we have so much fun doing making Valentine’s cards and sharing their stories!

“It’s lovely of Shelagh and John to offer some advice about how to find romance. Older people have a lifetime of experience when it comes to love so they’re probably the best people to learn from if you’re looking to find that special someone or want to make your love last for a lifetime.”

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