Bert Ryder is a veteran of the Royal Air Force and whilst the RAF celebrates its 97 years in operation this year, Bert and his wife Jean celebrated their own special milestone, their emerald wedding anniversary.

Bert met his bride-to-be, Jean, in 1959 through a friend and six months later they were married. He came to The Royal Star & Garter Home in Surbiton with his wife in 2014 when life at home became difficult because of their disabilities. Both of them receive dedicated care from staff in the Home and were delighted when a party was organised to celebrate their special day.

The Home was packed with staff members, volunteers and other residents, all of whom wished the couple well. Bert gave a heart-felt speech to everyone in attendance in which he said that he fell for Jean the moment he met her and that she was “…the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.”