Rugby couple celebrate diamond wedding anniversary

A couple from Rugby are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary today (Thursday).

Joyce and John Ford, who live in Bilton, first met when they were at Newbold School but did not get together until they were in their late teens.

Mrs Ford, who is 79, said: “We first started seeing each other when I was 16 and John was 19, and we married three years later at Bilton Church in 1956.”

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The happily married couple have a large family including three children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a dog called Jojo.

In celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary the Fords have already been to the Dominican Republic with their son Ian.

Mrs Ford said: “I have always wanted to see the Dominican Republic and our son Neil took us for our anniversary which was lovely. Julie and Neil gave us spending money instead of presents.”

Mr Ford, who is 82, believes the key to a successful marriage is to have your own space.

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He said: “The key is to enjoy life and you both need to do different things. You do not have to be with them all the time or in each other pockets.

“It is the same as when we both went to work, you can then come home and talk about your days. It is something to talk about.

“We both go our different ways during the day and it is very give and take in a marriage. It is no good being miserable with each other. Just enjoy life and take each day as it comes.”

Reflecting on their time together, Mrs Ford said: “We are both lucky to see 60 years. We never thought that when we reached our 50th anniversary we would still be here for the diamond.

She added: “We have had a great life together and I hope we have a few more years together.”

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