'Compromise' the key for Wellingborough diamond couple celebrating 60 years of marriage

Graham and Irene’s chance meeting was just that, literally bumping into each other when Graham worked as a van driver and Irene in a shop.

Love blossomed despite a surprisingly dog-filled first date – something Irene wasn’t expecting.

Irene said: “The first time he picked me up he said to me ‘do you like dogs?’ but then when I got in this great Alsatian and about a dozen chihuahuas were barking at me.

“At the time I didn’t expect that many.”

But it was a fast-moving romance, after meeting in June 1965, Graham and Irene married five months later in Harrold, Bedfordshire.

Today, their family is made up of four children and six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, with whom they ‘get on really well’ and who Irene says are ‘always there’ for the pair.

Corinne Harris, one of their children spoke on behalf of the family.

She said: “It is fair to say our parents have had many challenges throughout their lives together, however they never lost sight of what is important.

"They are happiest when surrounded by family, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and will always cook/offer you an egg and bacon sandwich and a cup of tea no matter what time of day it is.

"We feel proud that they have never lost sight of the values of life and are always there to support not only each other, but their family too. We are very blessed to have parents who have shown us the what the true value of life means.

"They are loved very much by all the family.”

Graham and Irene are originally from Biggleswade, and having moved around settling in Wellingborough.

Today, the pair enjoy swimming, shopping, and spending time together ‘seeing what every day brings.’

When asked about the secret to such a long marriage, Graham was quick to answer.

He said: “Compromise. We talk about it, we have a discussion, disagree, and compromise.”

Irene added: “We agree to disagree, because we’ll never win!”