Sheppey couple celebrate 70th wedding anniversary with trip to The Ritz in London
12:46, 22 September 2024
An inseparable couple celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary says the secret is to “never go to bed on an argument”.
Leslie, 89, and Maureen Peters, 88, enjoyed a special afternoon tea at the five-star hotel, The Ritz.
The pair were born and raised in Queenborough and attended the Central School together.
It was love at first sight when they first met as youngsters, aged just 12 and 13.
Leslie would walk Maureen home from school at the end of every day.
Aged 17, he enlisted early in the Army and was based in Belsen, Germany, after the Second World War.
He came back while he was on leave and got married to Maureen, before spending three years abroad as a tank driver.
The couple went on to have three children, however their eldest died at birth.
Tragically their second son, Glen, also passed away from cancer at 16 years old.
Leslie and Maureen worked together for many years at the potteries on the Island.
When the factory closed, they retired in July 1991 and spent their spare time travelling the world.
Granddaughter Jade Morley said: “Both have always worked so hard. It was really tough back then.
“They went on their first ever holiday abroad when they were in their 50s.
“It has been a difficult life for them but they have always been together.”
For their platinum anniversary celebrations on Wednesday, September 11 they were driven up to the famous hotel in London.
“We got valet parking for the first time – even that was an experience,” Jade added.
“My nan and pop looked amazing. He wore his blazer, which had a special embroidered pocket from his army regiment.
“The staff really made a fuss of them and arranged a cake without me knowing!
“It was incredible, they were so happy.”
Adding to their two cards collected from previous anniversaries, they received well wishes once again from The King and The Queen Consort.
When asked what their secret was to a long and happy marriage, the pair said “never to go to bed on an argument”.
They now have five grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
On Saturday, September 14, the couple celebrated by having a party with all their friends and family at the Sheerness East Working Men's Club.
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