A COUPLE whose relationship has blossomed into 70 years of marriage have had to celebrate in a different way.

John and Sybil Bird from Wokingham met in 1943 during World War II, while walking along the banks of the River Thames. They married on June 10 in 1950 at St Peter's Church in Caversham.

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The fellow residents are staying at RMBI Care Co. Home Lord Harris Court in Wokingham and wanted to share their love story in spite of the gloomy pandemic.

They said: “During the World War Two years there were very few weddings going on. Things will work out, talk to each other, have trust in one another, your wedding day is just one day but you have the rest of your lives to spend together.”

Sybil was working as a Clerical Worker when she was 22-years-old while John, aged 24, was in the Fire Service.

The couple instantly felt a spark when Sybil had to walk across Reading Bridge to get to work and at that time John was working as a welder’s mate, near the bridge.

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They would wave each morning and say hello but soon after they met, John joined the Royal Navy and was sent to Bear Island, Norway, aboard HMS Saint Helena.

Now aged 93 and 92, the couple’s marriage is still going strong, which they attribute to: “Always helping each other, give and take, and trust. We have always talked things over and don’t do anything unless we both agree.”

Over 70 years, the couple have travelled extensively together, visiting almost every country in the World, by plane coach, steam ship or train.

They have explored many European countries by car, with John driving and Sybil as the map reader. They both agree that Alaska was their favourite destination. John and Sybil did not have children, but have many God-children, cousins and friends, who keep in touch and visit the Home in normal times.

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What's the secret to a happy marriage, John and Sybil say: “Learn to give and take, be patient with each other, make joint decisions, love one another and never go to bed on an argument.”

Steve Stace, home manager, said: “It was tremendously important to everyone at our Home to help John and Sybil celebrate their 70 years of marriage. To stick together through thick and thin for so many years is an amazing feat. They are such a wonderful couple who are much loved at our Home and by everyone who knows them. They’re an inspiration!”