A COUPLE celebrating their 72nd wedding anniversary have revealed the secret to a long and happy marriage.
Gordon (93) and Joan (92) Pleasant, who live at Mapplewell Manor care home, say that ‘spending time together’ is the key.
The two met when they were around 15 in a church youth group at St Peter’s Church in Barnsley.
They married when they were 21 and have two children, Gordon Junior and Andrea, who joined them on the day.
The couple received a telegram from the king and spent the day looking through their wedding photographs with residents and staff.
The kitchen staff at the home prepared some sweet treats including a cake which was enjoyed by all.
The home provides residential and residential dementia care for 87 residents.
Speaking after the event, Gordon said: “I really enjoyed the celebration and enjoyed spending time with family and singing along to my favourite songs.
“The secret to a long and happy marriage is spending time together and as a bloke, you need a lot of patience!
“In the early days we went on a lot of holidays together, mostly with our families.
“Most of my family was in Blackpool and Joan’s was in Scarborough so we went to Scarborough more often
“I really enjoy talking about mine and Joan’s history together and want to thank the home for a lovely day.”