Feb 2021
Couple who will not be separated move into Edwardstow Court Care Centre in time for Valentine’s Day
“Howard and Betty are clearly in love, even after all these years. They are often seen holding hands together whilst walking up and down the corridors to keep fit and active.”
Howard and Betty Organ, who have been married for over 60 years, will celebrate Valentine’s Day together in the comfort at Edwardstow Court Care Centre, a care home run by The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) in Stow-on-the-Wold.
The couple, who are both 86-years-old and have two children and four grandchildren, moved into the home early in January 2021. The decision to look for a care home came about as the family, concerned for Howard, who lives with dementia and wanted increased support for his growing care needs. Edwardstow Court, a friendly community environment was ideal, and Howard, insisted that he didn’t want to be separated from Betty. The home has been delighted to welcome the couple.
Howard and Betty share two adjacent rooms in the care home and have adapted the space with their beds in one room and a comfortable living space in the other where they can watch TV and read.
They met at Chipping Campden Grammar School after Howard made the first move to approach Betty with some encouragement from his friends. They spent many happy years bringing up a family and living at their family dairy farm in Aston Subedge. Betty worked for five years as a bank cashier and Howard joined the farm permanently after two years of national service.
When asked for the secret to their long and happy relationship, Betty said: “It takes give and take and a bit of compromise.” Howard said: “Don’t push your luck too much, especially if you’re the man!”
Olivia Wike, Customer Relations Manager at Edwardstow Court, who knows the couple well having helped to arrange their move, said: “Howard and Betty are clearly in love, even after all these years. They are often seen holding hands together whilst walking up and down the corridors to keep fit and active.”
Betty and Howard have settled in very quickly to their new home. Among the things they enjoy at Edwardstow Court are the quiet areas at the end of corridors, the views of Stow and the sun shining through the windows.