A Newcastle couple are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary on Tuesday 14th March, and they have shared the secrets to a long and happy marriage.
Joe Ridley, 94, and his wife Lillian, 92, first met at a local dance called the 'Tanner Hop' on Stamfordham Road in Westerhope, and were married in 1953, meaning they have now reached their Platinum wedding anniversary.
Joe and Lillian have spoken about their 70 years of marriage, discussing their best and favourite moments, of which their are a lot to choose. They have been able to narrow it down to two main ones, with one coming just last weekend.
"The best moments of our marriage were welcoming our four children Christine, Lynne, Pauline and Brian who are the absolute loves of our lives. We also have eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren so we couldn't be happier", said Joe.
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"Along with that is receiving a telegram from the King and Queen Consort last weekend, giving us their warmest congratulations for such a happy occasion. That was amazing and I still can't believe that it happened", added Lillian.
Joe and Lillian have had a very interesting 70 year marriage, as they were involved in all kinds of trips and activities due to Joe being a train driver.
For this reason, the family would receive free train travel and would go to Butlin's Holiday Camps all across the UK every year. After they retired, they learned sequence dancing which lead to them running their own dance group which was held at St John's Church in Newcastle on Friday afternoons.
The couple then got onto talking about the secrets of their long and happy marriage, with them both giving their reasons why they think their union has been so successful.
"The secret to a long and happy marriage is just loving each other so much and looking after one another. We have had our arguments like every married couple, but we soon made up and grew closer with each passing year", said Lillian.
"I have the best wife in the world and I could not be any happier than I am. I have never regretted one moment and we have had an amazing 70 years together", Joe added.
Melanie Holland, Joe and Lillian's granddaughter, has also spoken about the love that she and the rest of the family has for her grandparents, and how inspiring it is to see their relationship continue to grow as the years go on.
"My grandparents are the centre of our family and we all love them dearly. Their love for each other has been wonderful to witness all of these years and to see them celebrate 70 years together just shows what true love is.
"We are all very grateful to have them in our lives and for everything that they have done and continue to do for us all."
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