A COUPLE who have just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary say the secret to a long and happy marriage is ‘never to argue’.
Albert and Millie Knowles who both live at St Helens Hall Care Home, met at a gospel hall in Garswood and fell in love.
They were then married on June 27, 1953 at Haydock Methodist Church marked the occasion with a party, music and an entertainer at the care home.
They were delighted to receive a letter of congratulations from His Majesty King Charles offering his ‘warmest congratulations and heartfelt good wishes.”
The couple started their married life living in lodgings for four years, run by a Mrs Seddon.
In 1978, they moved to Grange Valley and bought their own bungalow, where they lived for 44 years.
The couple, who loved to travel, going out for meals and socialising with friends, welcomed their daughter June on June 12.
Millie, 89, said: “Life was hard but we worked hard and saved as much as we could. After Mrs Seddon’s death, we took over residence at 7 Sherlock Avenue in Haydock.”
“I went to evening classes to learn dressmaking so I could make my own clothes,” said Millie. “Albert was working all hours at the foundry to make as much money as he could. I remember what we bought with the first money we saved – our first dining room suite.”
In 1981, they welcomed their first granddaughter, Julia, who was followed five years later by her sister Suzanne.
Albert, 90, said: “Millie and I have really enjoyed seeing them grow up and become intelligent young ladies.”
The couple now have two great granddaughters, Imogen and Annabelle, who they love to spoil.
When asked what the secret is to such a long marriage, Millie chuckled and said: “I believe the secret to a long and happy marriage is never to argue.
“It’s fine to have different opinions and to disagree about things from time to time, but nothing is worth arguing for. I had a rule to never go to bed feeling annoyed.”
Jackie Smith, Activities Co-ordinator for St Helens Hall Care Home in Elephant Lane, said: “Albert and Millie have been residents here for a year and they are such a lovely, happy couple.
“We celebrated their wedding anniversary with the help of a local music memories group who were so touched by Albert and Millie’s story that she offered her services for free.”
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