Dermott Rowan, a resident at Waterbeach Lodge near Cambridge celebrated his 90th birthday with his wife Muriel: they have been married for 68 years. Dermott was born in Edinburgh in 1934 and was the second eldest of 13 children to Scottish Catholic parents.
Moving to Cambridge with his family as a young boy, it was when he was 19, while working as a hotel manager at the Garden House Hotel, when he met the love of his life.
At the time, Muriel was working in a nearby building and would see Dermott walk past every day. It wasn’t until the pair were out at a dance together however, that they would meet for the very first time.
The then 17-year-old Muriel saw Dermott dancing with a group of girls. Not knowing they were all his sisters; she was surprised when Dermott asked her to dance. She accepted, and the rest is history.
The couple have now been together for 70 years and married for 68.
Dermott moved into Waterbeach Lodge in June 2022, and living with dementia, his dancing days are sadly behind him. Not though is the love that is still clear between him and Muriel, who he shares two daughters, six grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren with.
Beverley Murray, manager at Waterbeach Lodge, said: “Muriel visits Dermott very regularly and it’s always lovely to see them together. They are true soulmates. In 70 years, they must have shared so much. It was wonderful to be able to celebrate his 90th birthday along with his family today.”
Waterbeach Lodge is part of AgeCare UK and head of nursing, Sara Gallagher, said she was delighted to hear about Dermott’s special birthday celebrations.
She said: “At Waterbeach Lodge, we foster a family approach, focusing on enabling residents to live well. It’s wonderful to hear that Dermott could share his 90th birthday with his wife and family and a huge thank you to staff for organising.”
Waterbeach Lodge is the latest addition to the AgeCare Care Homes group. It is a purpose-built care home situated on the A10 Ely Road, less than six miles from Cambridge City Centre and is set in six acres of landscaped gardens.
