‘Continuing to live in the moment is priceless’: Care home surprise couple with anniversary date night

Last week a care home surprised two residents with a special date night in celebration of their wedding anniversary.

Pearline Watkins, 85, and her husband Robert Watkins, 87, who is a resident at Camberwell Lodge Care and Nursing Home in Picton Street, Camberwell, visited Fenchurch restaurant in Sky Garden Walk, Monument, to celebrate 35 years of marriage.

During their visit, the couple reminisced about how they first met. 

Pearline said: “I met Rob 35 years ago. I was helping a friend with catering for a funeral wake, and he was attending. 

“Rob spent the whole event in the kitchen because he enjoyed my cooking so much, and the rest is history.

“Both of us had been previously married, but when we got together, we began to enjoy the little things in life and travelled to many different places and enjoyed going on cruises.”

Robert previously worked for British Rail as a station guard at Waterloo Station.

Pearline said: “I am incredibly proud of all his achievements and how hardworking and dedicated he is to looking after his family.

“We both have children from previous marriages and, although we didn’t have any children together, we have a wonderful big family.”

When her husband’s health began to decline, Pearline said life became more “difficult”.

But, she said: “Creating these special moments and continuing to live in the moment is priceless for both of us.”

The date was arranged as part of the “Make a Wish” initiative by Country Court, the parent company of Camberwell Lodge. 

The Make a Wish scheme has seen residents from Camberwell Lodge and across the Country Court group enjoy special outings and activities, from boat trips and book launches to off-road driving and family tea parties.

Jessica O’Connell, customer relations manager at Camberwell Lodge, said: “It was a pleasure to arrange this for such a special couple. 

“We kept the location of their surprise anniversary date a secret until we arrived, which added to their anticipation. 

“At Sky Garden, Robert and Pearline were impressed by the beautiful surroundings and described the experience as ‘exceptional’. 

“They were particularly pleased with the Caribbean-inspired tasting menu, which is their favourite cuisine.”

Camberwell Lodge Care and  Nursing Home specialises in nursing care, residential care, dementia care and short-term respite care for up to 98 people.

Facilities include a lounge and dining areas, a pub, a wellness suite, and a roof terrace with a bistro café.

Pictured top: Pearline and Robert on their wedding night 35 years ago (Picture: Pearline)