It is nothing new that many couples start their relationship after meeting at work or university, but one romantic husband from Solihull arranged to surprise his wife with a visit to Solihull College’s Blossomfield Campus 20 years to the day that they fell in love as students.
42 year old Jason Easthope from Smith’s Wood contacted the College in secret to see if he could bring his wife in on 16th February which marks twenty years since they met while both studying hospitality. His wife Chantelle had no idea what was happening until they got off the train at Solihull.
The couple, who are now married with four children, met in 1995 and knew very early on they were meant to be together. While sitting in the College’s refectory reminiscing, Chantelle comments: “We used to meet for coffee each day and share shortbread and I remember our time at the College being a happy one. It was a good place to learn and a great atmosphere. I also remember us walking together through Tudor Grange Park after lessons”.
Jason and Chantelle won’t have to wait too long for a big wedding anniversary either; they were both mature students when they started at the College: Jason 22 and Chantelle 23, respectively. When the time was right, Jason proposed the following year in a field close to the Blossomfield Campus; they celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary next year.
Despite the massive investment and structural changes to the College’s campus over the past several years, Chantelle said visiting the College again after 20 years has been emotional as not only was it a surprise but because the time was filled with happy memories, even the walk down Blossomfield Road from the train station to the campus brought back memories.
On receiving the request from Jason, the College was more than happy to grant his wish. For more information about Solihull College courses (Cupid strike not guaranteed) please visit www.solihull.ac.uk
