TOURIST CRASH CRISIS
will focus on visiting drivers travelling during the busy holiday period on unfamiliar roads in unfamiliar conditions. Mr Road. Myrtle tumbled off the side and was bruised “black and blue". “I had to keep it secret from my mother,” she said.
The pair engaged when they were 21 and wed a year later at the Belmont Methodist Church on December 20, 1947.
Despite warm tempera- tures, it poured with rain and Myrtle’s bridesmaids dresses, which she made herself, were watermarked.
The pair had their first child, Alan, 12 months after their wedding followed by daughter Jill and second son Peter. “Our health has kept us alive but as far as the secret to a long marriage goes — every relationship has their ups and downs,” Myrtle said.
“The secret is to work at it, to talk it out and be kind.”
Their 70 years together has not been without its challenges. A dressmaker by trade, Myrtle was forced to give up sewing when she became legally blind 25 years ago.
But the toughest challenge the couple faced was the death of their son, Alan, 13 years ago.
“His wife has always supported us,” Myrtle said.
Son Peter said his parents were “very much in love and always fun”.
The pair celebrated by opening a letter from the Queen, congratulating them on the milestone, and having a high tea at their local church with more than 80 family members and friends.