Two words for a happy marriage

YES dear! are the two words that have helped one diamond couple reach a milestone 60 years of marriage.

Lily and Albert Willmott celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in style, with a trip to Majorca with their children, attended a thanksgiving service, and had a family party.

The couple, from Steeple Morden, met at Odsey Village Hall while attending a whist drive.

Lily, now 80, had been sent from Manchester to a farm at Morden Grange during the war to work as a dairy maid, while Albert, now 83, was home on leave from Germany.

With permission from her father, 20-year-old Lily and 23-year-old Albert married, and spent their honeymoon on a farm in Somerset.

They lived in Odsey for 43 years.

Lily said: "My father said I could get married when I was 20. I turned 20 on the Saturday, and we got married just a week later."

The couple both worked in Letchworth, and moved to Steeple Morden in 1990.

Lily and Albert keep busy with a number of hobbies.

"We used to love dancing. Albert was great at the cha cha, but we had to give that up unfortunately," said Lily.

Albert, who used to play football for Guilden Morden, is now a keen gardener, while Lily enjoys playing bowls.

The couple have two children, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Coincidentally, their over-60s club held its annual thanksgiving service at the same church they were married at - and on their anniversary.

After 60 years Lily and Albert have a secret to such a long and successful marriage.

Lily said: "The secret is two words - 'yes dear'.

"I just agree with Albert, and go and do my own thing.

"Many of our friends are still together. It is easy to walk away, but if you argue, you kiss and make up."

And Albert agrees: "I let Lily talk - it keeps her happy.

"We also have a gin and tonic at midday every day."

On their happy marriage, Lily added: "And we still like each other, of course.