Speaking Your Mind: The Secret to a Lasting Marriage for Yeovil Couple
A relationship that began on a dance floor in London more than 45 years ago is still going strong, with a no-nonsense attitude setting the tone from the start.
“I’m not one to act like a fool. If I don’t like something, I’ll say so,” Linda Blackmore, now aged 76, told her date that evening, a man she would go on and marry.
“We went to this dance and spent the evening trotting around and thoroughly enjoyed it. He then invited me back to his place for a coffee.
“His parents were supposed to be out at a dinner dance, but when we got there, they were home, making things a bit awkward.
“Luckily, they liked me, and I got summoned the next day to go back and have lunch. They were both very nice, and we all got on and went from there.”
Former legal secretary Linda married sheet metal worker Barry in Sudbury, London, with four bridesmaids in 1979, moving to Yeovil for work in 1981.
The couple continued dancing – learning the Lindy Hop and Jitterbug – attended airshows and motor races, and made regular trips to the United States and Europe.
Through it all, Linda says the key to their lasting relationship has always been open communication.
“We’ve always made a point of talking to each other, sharing how we feel and working things through together.”
Due to severe mobility issues, Barry has been a resident at Chestnut Lodge care home in Yeovil since 2024, with Linda living nearby and visiting regularly.
With help from the home’s activities team, the pair celebrated their 45th anniversary with a visit to their favourite seaside spot, West Bay in Dorset.
“We had a really nice time. I brought along a packed lunch, and Barry was in his element watching the fishermen bringing in their lobster pots.
“It was a glorious day, the sun was shining, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves going back to a place that is part of our shared history.”
Linda spent 17 years as a legal secretary at what is now law firm Clarke Willmott LLP, while Barry continued to do sheet metal work and welding until he retired.
She says Barry enjoys living at Chestnut Lodge, run by Camelot Care, and has a ‘good laugh and a joke’ with the team at the care home.
“It’s a real home from home. The food is excellent; I really can’t fault it. We enjoy playing bingo and the many other activities they lay on and entertainers they bring in.
“Barry enjoys doing his exercises – passing a football back and forth, which helps build his muscles and improves movement – with the activities coordinator, Gary.”
Chestnut Lodge is a purpose-built, fully refurbished care facility that provides nursing and dementia care for up to 38 residents in single rooms, each equipped with a personal wet room.
The CQC-registered home also provides respite care tailored to meet the needs of carers, with stays ranging from 1 to 30 nights available.
Families wishing to enquire about a place should call Graham Oakes on 01935 513555 or email graham.oakes@camelotcare.co.uk
