March couple reach landmark wedding anniversary
Diamond Wedding of William and Ruby Leeder from March. Picture: Steve Williams. - Credit: Archant
A World War Two soldier and former shop worker are celebrating their Diamond wedding anniversary today.
Diamond Wedding of Ruby & William Leeder. - Credit: Archant
William Leeder, 92, and his wife Ruby, 86, got married on March 6 1954 in Christchurch and have been together since.
To mark the milestone anniversary, more than 40 family and friends will join them for a party.
William said: “I don’t know how she has put up with me for so long.”
Ruby added: “We’ve had arguments and differences in opinion but we have never had a proper row.”
The couple met at the White House pub on West End in 1948 - William instantly took a fancy to Ruby but she required a little more convincing.
William said: “I would go there on a Saturday night and she was there with her sister and her parents. When I saw her I thought she’s a nice bit of stuff.”
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The former March Town United player’s perseverance paid off and the pair got together and lived in Truman Avenue, March, for 54 years before moving to their home in Upwell Road.
Before he met Ruby, William served as a gunner and was stationed in Hull during World War Two.
He can vividly remember one night when his anti-aircraft unit shot down a German plane.
He said: “It was a lovely clear night and we brought it down. The next day the ladies who brought us tea and biscuits every day said it was all free because we did a great job last night.”
William worked on cripple sidings for the railways and at Perkins in Peterborough, while Ruby worked at various shops on Broad Street in March.
The couple have one son, Paul, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
