Buxton couple celebrate incredible 70 years of marriage

June and Alan Ayling met at a local dance hall in Surrey in 1950 when she was 16 and Alan 21, and they are now due to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary this weekend.

When they were younger, they used to ride out to Brighton on the weekends on Alan’s motorbike.

Alan, who now lives at Thomas Fields, said: “This seemed to well and truly cement our relationship.

“June often rode side-saddle so she didn't mess up her outfit.”

After an 18-month courtship the duo were married on April 3, 1951 at Woking Registry Office and went on to honeymoon on the Isle of Wight.

June, now 87, said: “I was so happy there.

“Married life started off in a tiny 1950s ‘bubble' type caravan which Alan bought the shell of and built and we lived there until our first child was two.”

The couple went on to have three children, seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Their two sons have lived in France for many years. Their grandaughter and partner and two great grandsons live in Bradwell and have been coming up to Buxton for many years as well as staying regularly at Biggin Hall Hotel.

Alan and June moved to Buxton nearly seven years ago and are members of U3A . They visit Buxton Opera House regularly particularly to see folk, jazz and ballet. They are also well known for watching the outdoor bands in the Pavilion Gardens every Sunday during the summer.

June is currently living at Haddon Hall Care Home after being in hospital since November so Alan has moved into a flat at Thomas Fields.

He said: “As soon as June is on her feet again we'll be able to be together again, in our new flat.

"Everyone has been very welcoming there, we can't wait to get settled in together.”

Alan says what he still loves about June is her cooking and how well she still looks after him.

The 92-year-old added: “The secret to a long lasting marriage is good food and 70 years of love.”

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