Ron And Joyce Bond Of Milton Keynes Are Celebrating Their 81st Wedding Anniversary.

According to their daughter, a couple celebrating their 81st wedding anniversary were told "it wouldn't last long."

Ron and Joyce Bond, who live at Shenley Wood Retirement Village in Milton Keynes and are 102 and 100 years old respectively, are claimed to be the UK's longest-married couple.

In January 1941, they married in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire.

Eileen, their daughter, stated: "At the time of their wedding, it was predicted that they would not last long. How far did people get it wrong?"

Ron, from Blaina in Blaenau Gwent, and Joyce, from Bow Brickhill in Milton Keynes, met in Bletchley and married on a day when there was three inches of snow on the ground at Newport Pagnell Register Office.

"There were lines of couples because Ron's section was being transported overseas to help in the war effort," Mrs Bond explained.

The two agree that it was love at first sight and that their relationship is balanced.

"In our partnership, there is no one in charge." Mrs Bond stated, "We both give and take."

"We never imagined we'd be married for 81 years. We are aware that we are extremely blessed to have.

Eileen and Bill were the couple's two children, and they now have grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Before retiring, Mr Bond worked at a Shell garage in Bletchley, while Mrs Bond worked at Woolworths in Queensway. In 2013, the couple relocated to the retirement community.

Their daughter described them as a "very inspiring pair."

"Everyone was always welcomed with open arms and loads of affection," she stated.

"While Dad worked hard to pay for the family, Mum worked hard to keep our home and ourselves clean and tidy."

"It takes only a few minutes with them to see how much they love and care for each other, even after 81 years of marriage."