Besotted Cambridge couple Ann and Gino Rossi who met as teenagers and have travelled the globe together were treated to a surprise lunch party when they celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.
The couple celebrated at Cambridge Grove Care Home, Cambridge Road, where eighty-eight-year-old Gino lives and were happy to share the secrets of their long marriage.
Former estate agent Ann, aged 85, said: “Gino and I have never spent an anniversary apart and it was very emotional to celebrate together at Cambridge Grove.
“Thank you to everyone, we never imagined they would surprise us with a party, we thought we would have a quiet day!”
The couple met in 1955 when Ann was working at a department store and married a few years later on March 21, 1959, at Corpus Christi Church, Brixton Hill, South London.
Ann said: “I had Saturday job in department store in Brixton and Gino and his Italian mates would come in to visit the record department.
“My friend worked in the record department, and I unfortunately was in the haberdashery department which was of no interest to 17-year-old Italian boys with Lambrettas!
“However, my friend sent them down to chat me up which did not please the department store manager!”
And it’s been love ever since. The couple honeymooned in Paris where they have returned several times and have even found their original honeymoon venue – now a smart boutique hotel.
The couple, who have two children and six grandchildren, say the secret of their strong relationship is always being individual and having their own hobbies and interests.
Ann loves reading and the theatre whilst Gino has always been a cycling and climbing enthusiast.
Former marathon runner and marketing and sales professional, Gino added: “I love my wife very much. We are thrilled to celebrate our 66th anniversary.”
The couple have lived in Singapore, Kenya, Germany and Australia and retired to Cambridgeshire from Hertfordshire. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in the Galapagos Islands and for their Diamond anniversary went to St Lucia.
Their 66th was made extra special by the team at Cambridge Grove determined to make the happy couple feel extra special.
Ann said: “As well as the surprise lunch, the team organised gifts and it demonstrates show how wonderful everyone is and how much they care.”
Gino added: “We've had a delicious lunch together; everyone has been so kind.”
As well as speaking multiple languages including Italian, Swahili and German Gino has volunteered for Victim Support and in his retirement has volunteered as a mentor for the Prince's Trust.
Cambridge Grove Home Ambassador Amy Milburn said: “It was our absolute pleasure to organise lunch for such an incredible couple.
“Seeing the love between them is wonderful and I'm so pleased they had a lovely day together."
