KEN and Phyllis Cross could not understand what all the fuss was about.
As they were taken for a special roast to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary, Mrs Cross said she thought the landmark date was just “run of the mill”.
Yet with three cakes, a celebratory lunch, a surprise afternoon party, a stack of presents and a card from The Queen to mark the anniversary of their marriage in 1943, it was clear that this was no ordinary celebration.
“It has been a lovely day – more than I was expecting,” said Mrs Cross, 90, as her husband Ken, 92, sat beside her and enjoyed a glass of sherry.
“We thought it was just run of the mill but everyone seems to think it’s wonderful.”
During their marriage, they have watched the world change together – from Britain’s victory against Nazi Germany in the second world war, to man landing on the moon and more recently the growth of the internet, computers and mobile phones.
Yet one thing has remained throughout that time – their love and commitment to one another.
“It’s not all happy,” said at a gathering at her daughter Linda Bunting and husband Alan’s house in Eastgate Lane, Terrington St Clement.
“We all have our disagreements and don’t always see eye to eye. However, I think we appreciated what we had more, because in those days we had less.”
It is certainly true to say that when they first married in wartime Britain, when there was rationing, that there was less of everything to go round.
But does Mrs Cross think that affects how the younger generation view marriage and relationships?
“It’s like everything. Some are ready for marriage and some are not. My daughter has been married for quite a long time and they are quite happy.
“But I do think the younger generation want too much. I don’t think they appreciated things like we did many years ago.”
Asked what her advice would be to any couples starting out, Mrs Cross said: “I really can’t advise.
“They have to learn as they go along.”
She did say that the success of their marriage had been down to a willingness to “give and take” but also said the world today means that things are different for couples.
The pair, of Lynn Road, Terrington, are now planning for many more years of happy marriage, which includes playing short mat bowls with their friends.
They also plan to attend their grandson Jonathan’s wedding in August.
He remarked that he would have to reach the grand old age of 103 if he was to reach their 70-year record.
“Marriages can last two or three years these days,” he said. “70 years is very impressive.”
However before they attend that family occasion, there is the small matter of those three cakes to get through first.
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