"Sometimes life is hard but we work through it together. We look after each other, too," said Ron, about his marriage to Joyce.
When Ron and Joyce Bond got married in 1941, people were sure they wouldn't make it. They are now celebrating 81 years of marriage.
Ron, from Blaina in Blaenau Gwent, and Joyce, who was born in Bow Brickhill, Milton Keynes, met in Bletchley and made it legal on January 4—a day when there was three inches of snow on the ground—at Newport Pagnell Registry Office when Ron was 21 and Joyce was 19.
"There were queues of couples as Ron's section were all being sent abroad to assist with the war effort," recalled Joyce, adding that it was love at first sight for both of them.
Ron and Joyce Bond, aged 102 and 100, are thought to be the UK's longest-married couple. They marked their 81st wedding anniversary this year. ❤️
— The Crown Chronicles (@crownchronicles) January 15, 2022
The couple celebrated their Oak anniversary last year and received written congratulations from The Queen.#truelove pic.twitter.com/Q5BMWGDkIx
What really makes their marriage work is the fact that two of them strongly believe that they are both equals in the marriage, and no one is superior to the other. "There is no boss in our relationship. We both give and take," said Joyce.
Now aged 102 and 100, Ron and Joyce live at Shenley Wood Retirement Village in Milton Keynes, which they moved into, in 2013. They are considered to be the UK's longest-married couple, reports BBC.
Last year, they even got a letter from Queen Elizabeth II herself for their oak anniversary, with a message that read: "How wonderful to learn of your eightieth wedding anniversary on 4th January, 2021. I do hope you enjoy this marvellous occasion."
They were treated to cream teas and got a shout out on the radio at the request of their son, Bill, to ring in their 81st year together, adds The Scotsman.
Time for a heartwarming story to make you 😃 this Sunday! Ron and Joyce Bond were told "it wouldn't last long" when they got married in 1941...
— Herts Ability (@HertsAbility) January 16, 2022
... Fast forward 81 years and they're still going strong! 😍#LoveIsAllYouNeed ❤️
📸 by Extra Care pic.twitter.com/goDa5SNfl9
What's funny is that when the two got married, no one expected them to stay together for long, says daughter Eileen, of her parents who had two kids, Eileen and Bill, and now have three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
"My parents are a truly inspiring couple, not only to my brother and I but to their grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. It was said of them at the time of their wedding, it would not last long, how wrong did folks get that?”
Ron worked at a Shell garage in Bletchley before retiring while Joyce worked at Woolworths in Queensway.
"There was always a warm welcome and lots of love for all," added Eileen. "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."
Excellent display of companionship! May God sustain them more! 👩❤️💋👨
— @DrBenOnoja (@DrBen68582027) January 14, 2022
As for how they feel about this milestone: "We never expected to reach 81 years of marriage. We know we are very fortunate to have achieved this amazing goal. It feels excellent," said Joyce.
"Sometimes life is hard but we work through it together. We look after each other, too," added Ron.
Here's hoping they get to spend more years together!
References:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-59979000
Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | John Slater
