Betty and John McGrath have celebrated 61 years of
matrimony. Betty says there is no secret, just love each
other.
Mick and Alice Beckwith have been married 53 years next
March. Mick’s advise for a happy marriage is “Learn to do
as you are told.” Alice nodded in agreement
... So what is the secret of marital longevity?
Married at a time when, if things broke - you fixed them, all of these couples have found ways to stay married and still
love their partners.
The question: “What is your secret for staying married so long,” produced answers which were varied; common sense,
humorous, and sometimes unprintable. Ranging from: “never go to bed angry at each other”, to “Don’t argue, go with the
flow,” “Have a deaf ear,” and “be good and loyal to one another”.
It would appear that there is no real secret. Love, respect and the husband knowing who’s boss seem to be the main
ingredients with a generous dash of humour to “get through the tough times”.
John and Bev Cresswell, married 51 years. When asked
the secret to a long marriage Bev jokingly replied, “If it
was a choice to go home to mother, I’d rather stay
married.”
Beryl Bissett (middle) was bridesmaid at the wedding of
Shirley and Les Williams, 57 years ago. “Work together”,
is Les’ advice for married couples.
3