A REMARKABLE couple in their late 90s recently celebrated an incredible achievement.
Grace and Bernard Sparks, both 97 as of the end of the month, honoured their 75th anniversary around family and friends in Reading, who are all admire their continuing abilities.
The couple have two children, Karen and Kelvin, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
They have both lived in Reading their whole lives, and were childhood sweethearts after meeting at Alfred Sutton School. 
Their daughter Karen said: "Mum and dad were married five days after D-Day - dad wasn't in the war due to the fact that he only spent six months in the RAF before he was discharged on medical grounds with fluid on the lung.
"Mum, however, served in the Land Army.
"Unfortunately my uncle, my dad’s brother, could not be dad's best man as he was away in Africa serving with the Royal Army Dental Corps at this time, so my Mum's cousin stepped into his place in his absence!"
"My dad who was a Baker’s Roundsman at the time of his wedding, and actually did his round on the morning of his wedding, finishing at 12 Noon – just in time for his wedding at 2 o'clock!"
The couple got married at the Kings Road Baptist Church - now the Abbey Baptist Church - where Grsace in number one on the church roll, and still a regular attender.
Karen said: "Dad however has been a life-long member of the Salvation Army - firstly worshipping at the old Reading East Corps in Kingsgate Street before the army moved to Lower Earley and is now known at Reading Lower Earley Corps.
"He is also number one on the Members Roll there - quite an achievement for them both!"
Karen added that the inspirational couple have been keen lawn green bowlers, having both been members of the bowls club for 30 years.
"They are now both honourary members of the club," Karen added.
"Dad was also a county bowler too for a number of years."
Bernard also used to own a photography shop, Fotosparks.
Grace and Bernard still live in Earley, and have been in the same hours for the past 60 years.
For their 75th year as a married couple, they enjoyed a two-day celebration on June 10 and 11 with afternoon teas at their home, along with friends and family.
They also received a card from the queen, congratulating them on 'reaching such a milestone'.
They then celebrated with people from Palmer Park Bowling Club on June 17.