Aylesbury Vale couple to celebrate 75th anniversary after meeting as teenagers

Mary and Eric Williams, aged 96 and 93 respectively – who live in Weston Turville, will celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary on August 11.

The couple first met when Mary was 16 and Eric was 14. They were married in Wealdstone, north-west London, shortly after Eric began his National Service. Their wedding took place just weeks before he was deployed with the Airborne Division to Egypt during the Suez Crisis.

Following Eric's army service, they settled briefly in Wealdstone before moving to Northwood after the birth of their son.

Their family revealed that they are well-known within the scouting community and devoted a great deal of their time volunteering.

In 1974, they moved to Pinner, where they continued their commitment to scouting. Eric spent 35 years working for Kodak. After retiring, the couple embraced the opportunity to travel extensively, enjoying adventures across Australasia, the United States, Asia, Africa and Europe. Along the way, they made many lifelong friends, and they remain in touch with several of them to this day.

Asked the secret to a long and happy marriage, their answer is simple: "Patience and understanding."

They are said to enjoy an independent life in Weston Turville with help from their family. They are proud grandparents to three grandchildren and great-grandparents to four great-grandchildren.