Bletchley couple celebrate 81-year marriage
A couple who met in Bletchley have celebrated their 81st wedding anniversary.
Ron and Joyce Bond, aged 102 and 100, got married in 1941 at Newport Pagnell Registry Office.
Joyce remembers: "There were queues of couples as Ron's section were all being sent abroad to assist with the war effort."
They went on to have two children, Eileen and Bill.
Now living in a retirement village, they celebrated the day beginning with radio congratulations from BBC Radio Two's Ken Bruce and receiving a written congratulations from the Queen.
After being asked if it was love at first sight for them, there was a unanimous 'yes', without hesitation.
Joyce believes the secret to having such a successful relationship is that they are evenly matched: "We never expected to reach 81 years of marriage
"We know we are very fortunate to have achieved this amazing goal. It feels excellent! There is no boss in our relationship, we both give and take."
Ron added: "Sometimes life is hard but we work through it together. We look after each other too."
Daughter Eileen is proud of her parents, adding: "My parents are a truly inspirational couple, not only to my brother and I but to their grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren,
"There was always a warm welcome and lots of love for all.
"Dad worked hard to provide for the family, while mum worked hard at keeping our home and us clean and tidy.
"You only have to spend time with them to know they love and care for each other, even after 81 years of being married.
"It was said of them at the time of their wedding, it would not last long. How wrong did folks get that?"
Join Our Newsletter
