Couple celebrates 65 years of marriage after first meeting on a blind date in 1958
A Newbury couple are celebrating an incredible 65 years of marriage after first meeting on a blind date, writes Hannah Bosley.
And love was certainly in the air when Anne and Ron Cummings, both aged 87, celebrated with a party with their close family and friends.
The couple were toasted at Winchcombe Place care home where Anne now lives and long-time friend Mike Pike presented them with a letter of congratulations from King Charles.
When asked their secret to a long and happy marriage, their answer was simple: “Compromise and always show love.”
Ron recalls that upon meeting Anne he thought she was a “beautiful and caring person with a great sense of humour”.
When asked on her initial thoughts of Ron, Anne said “no comment!”, with a chuckle.
The couple were initially set up by friends in 1958 and married two years later, on a beautiful day in 1960 at St James Church in Barkham, near Wokingham.
Since then they have enjoyed plenty of adventures together, from running their own business to memorable trips abroad.
Anne, born near Maidenhead, faced challenges as a child including contracting polio. However she did not let it slow her down.
She went on to work as a chemist before going on to sell plants and become a teaching assistant. Now she enjoys reading and art.
Ron, also from Maidenhead, worked as an instrument maker and enjoyed playing golf for more than 50 years.
He is a huge fan of both West Ham and Reading football clubs.
The couple have one daughter, Sarah Jane.
They said that together they have enjoyed gardening and quality time, with lots of laughter along the way.
Ron still recalls of the time he was pulled over by Los Angeles police – only to realise he had handed them Anne’s passport!
And Anne still remembers the time she was locked in a toilet of a rural French restaurant and had to be rescued.
After many memories shared together the couple eventually retired to Stockcross, before Anne moved into Winchcombe Place.
