Geoff and Doris Wooding celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary at West Bank Residential Home in Ross-on-Wye on Wednesday, May 24th.

They met at Ross bus station over 70 years ago and Geoff told the Ross Gazette that it was love at first sight.

After their wedding they lived with Geoff’s parents at Pengethley and he worked for a farmer, while Doris did anything to help bring in extra money, such as strawberry picking. She also worked in several local hotels including the Pilgrim Hotel at Much Birch.

Geoff worked for the same farmer for 41 years, and when he died, he left Geoff the cottage at St Owen’s Cross, where he and Doris lived. Three years ago they decided to sell it as the garden was becoming too much for Geoff to manage and they moved into Ross.

Then, 18 months ago, Doris was ill and had to go into hospital. This led to her moving to live at West Bank, where Geoff said the staff are very kind to her.

The cook, Donna Corrozzo, made a cake and members of staff joined the couple for a photograph to mark their special day.

Geoff and Doris have two sons who both have families, Geoffry lives near to Geoff, and David who lives in Birmingham. Geoff is looking forward to spending some time with him, and his family, soon.

Geoff told the Ross Gazette that he and Doris enjoyed many holidays together, including trips to Austria and Ireland, he also travelled all over the country playing darts and skittles. He said:?“We enjoyed a drink and always had a good time.”

Asked about the secret of such a long marriage he said:?“We always got on well, everybody falls out from time to time, but we have shared 70 very happy years together.”