‘I didn’t want to marry again, but when we met, there was an instant attraction. It just happened’ (From York Press)

‘I didn’t want to marry again, but when we met, there was an instant attraction. It just happened’

8:32am Saturday 8th September 2012 in News By Mike Laycock, Chief reporter

THEY both thought they would never marry again.

Musician Ron Goodall and Jane Cooper had both suffered personal heartache, with Ron unable to play guitar any more because of Parkinson’s Disease and Jane being twice widowed.

But then, after Ron moved into Barstow House, a York sheltered housing complex, he met Jane, and they fell in love.

This afternoon, they will become its first residents to tie the knot together.

“I have got my life again,” said Ron, 74, a divorced former postman who played in various York bands including one with Dustin Gee, who went on to become a TV comedian and partner of Les Dennis, and another with Steve Cassidy, a close friend of Oscar-winning composer John Barry.

“I thought my life was over. I was 70 and had Parkinson’s Disease, and didn’t think anyone would be interested in me.”

Jane, 66, who used to work in catering at York College , said she moved into Barstow House, off Nunnery Lane, when it opened 13 years ago with her husband, who had suffered a massive stroke.

She nursed him until he died about seven years ago.

“I didn’t want to marry again,” she said.

“But when we met, there was an instant attraction. It just happened.”

Sharon Homan, sheltered housing co-ordinator, said she had played Cupid a little, asking them both to assist with a gardening project.

She said she told Jane’s daughter, Suzi: “I have found the ideal man for your mum!”

Ron got down on one knee and proposed to Jane on her 65th birthday, and she didn’t hesitate before saying “yes.” Suzi said she was “absolutely thrilled” they were marrying.

The ceremony will take place at York Register Office this afternoon, followed by a family lunch at the nearby Coach House Hotel and then a big party this evening at the New Earswick Indoor Bowling Club, where Steve Cassidy’s band will play.

Ron will formally move into Jane’s unit tomorrow, and the happy couple will later go off on a fortnight’s cruise around the Mediterranean.