A Love Story for the Ages: Proposal unites Stoke Gifford Residents
Sue never expected to find love when she moved into Stoke Gifford Village four years ago, but life has a way of surprising you. Proving finding love knows no age, and that love for the over 70s can be stronger than ever Sue and partner Dave recently celebrated their engagement at the ExtraCare village where they both met.
When Sue arrived at Stoke Gifford village, a wedding wasn’t on her radar. She had recently lost her partner and was settling into a new chapter of her life.
Both widowed and content in their own worlds, Sue and Dave weren’t searching for romance, but when they found themselves at the same Burns’ Night celebration in January 2024, with separate groups of friends neither could have anticipated what would unfold. As the evening progressed, they found themselves dancing the traditional ‘Gay Gordons’ together and serenading each other with heartfelt renditions of ‘Flower of Scotland.’
The duo became friends which gradually turned into romance and eventually became love!
Despite coming from different backgrounds—Sue from Bristol and Dave from Kent—they quickly discovered they had more in common than they had ever expected. From shared life experiences to common interests, their friendship blossomed, and love grew over time.
They enjoyed holidays in sunny destinations like Skiathos and Majorca, spent countless afternoons out together in the summer, and regularly participated in village activities and events. Through it all, their bond grew stronger, and by the end of 2024, Dave had decided to make their relationship official.
In a completely surprising move to Sue, Dave proposed, and she said yes. The proposal took place at Stoke Gifford Village’s 6th Anniversary celebration, where the news was met with heartfelt congratulations from friends and fellow residents.
Sue and Dave after their proposal.
The wedding is now set for later this year in Soundwell, with a grand celebration to follow at their ExtraCare Village.
Reflecting on their journey, the couple shared: “We both still have lots to learn about each other, but our love and understanding for one another has grown and is still growing. We are no longer two lonely people, but two friends who have grown to love one another. We want to spend the rest of whatever life we have left together, happily married in Stoke Gifford Village. For us, this time will be precious”.
Sue and Dave’s story is a reminder that life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. If they hadn’t both moved into Stoke Gifford Village, their paths may have never crossed, Sue adds, “For us, it was definitely us ‘colliding’—doing the ‘Gay Gordons’ that Burns’ Night—that altered the course of both our lives!”
Their love story proves that it’s never too late to embrace the unexpected. Dave offers, “Our advice to others is to grasp life and find that special happiness”. Sometimes all it takes is one dance to change the direction of your life forever.
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