Couple's 75-year love story began with doorway kiss

A couple celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary have recalled how in the early days of their romance they would "snog" in shop doorways after they closed.

Eric Williams and Mary, who live in Weston Turville near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, were married in August 1951.

A few weeks after their wedding day, Eric, 94, was deployed with the Army's Airborne Division to Egypt for more than a year, and Mary, 96, waited patiently for him to return.

The couple said it was that "give and take" that has kept them together for all these years.

Mike Williams, their son, who organised a surprise party for his parents to mark their "remarkable" milestone, said their marriage "stands as a testament to a lifetime of love, commitment and shared adventure".

He said they continued to live independently and "have fun" and he hoped his relationship would last as long as theirs.

Following Eric's Army service, they settled briefly in Wealdstone, London, before moving to Northwood, Middlesex, after the birth of their son.

They regularly volunteered with the Scouts and after retiring they travelled together across Australasia, the US, Asia, Africa and Europe.

"Along the way, they made many lifelong friends, and they remain in touch with several of them to this day," Mike said.

When the couple were asked the secret to a long and happy marriage, their answer was simple: "Patience and understanding."

They also said a glass of sherry together every lunchtime with “picky bits ” also helped matters.

Plus "a glass of wine in the evening, and then a glass or two with our meal", Eric added.

Mary said her husband had "always looked after me".

Eric added what was amazing about his wife was the "amount of love that she gives [him]".

Mary and Eric are “proud” grandparents of three grandchildren and great-grandparents to four great-grandchildren.

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