Two octogenarian couples were treated to a romantic reunion celebration meal by a care home in Arnold.
Coppice Lodge care home in pulled out all the stops for life partners Michael and Chrystine Girvin, and Tony and Jean Owen, turning their dining room into an intimate, romantic restaurant.
For Michael, 87, it was the first time he had shared a special meal with first love and Coppice Lodge resident Chrystine, 86, for a year.
In March 2021, at the height of the pandemic, Michael decided to isolate at the care home for two weeks in order to surprise Chrystine with a face-to-face visit on their 65th wedding anniversary.
Since Chrystine moved into the care home in October 2020, the couple have spoken every single day, despite Michael being unable to visit in person due to the pandemic guidelines.
For Tony and Jean, aged 87 and 86, this was their first meal together since Tony moved into Coppice Lodge in September 2021. The couple, originally from Radcliffe-on-Trent, returned to the UK in August 2021 after 40 years of living in Spain to be closer to their two sons and their families.
The two couples enjoyed a three-course restaurant style meal served by care home staff, which began with a goats’ cheese and tomato starter. The four then enjoyed lamb shank on a bed of mashed potatoes with seasonal vegetables, followed by chocolate mousse cake with fresh cream and strawberries and a glass of fizz.
Alex Field, Home Manager at Coppice Lodge, said: “It was our absolute pleasure to treat Michael and Chrystine and Tony and Jean to this special meal.
“You could feel the love in the room as the couples enjoyed their very own date night in our ‘pop up’ restaurant.
“The care team had fun too, serving as their waiting staff for the night.”
Tony said: “Everyone at Coppice Lodge is so kind. They always go above and beyond for us. They really did an amazing job.
“The food was delicious and the room looked beautiful. I really can’t thank everyone enough.”
Michael said: “Our reunion meal was wonderful. The staff at Coppice Lodge outdid themselves and the food was very tasty.”
Coppice Lodge is a purpose-built, luxury residential and dementia care home with 64 ensuite bedrooms. It is rated good by the Care Quality Commission.
