Ipswich: Platinum couple toasting 70 happy years together
THEY played vital roles in the war effort, have lived in the same home for most of their married life and have a five-generation family.
And today Charles and Joyce Tweed, of Reynolds Road in Ipswich, are still going strong after celebrating 70 years of wedded bliss.
The couple, who are both 92, first met in 1940 when they were working at the Crane factory which was creating many products destined to help the armed forces at war.
Mr Tweed said: “I was a machine setter at the time and she (Joyce) came to the factory during the war and that is how we met.
“I taught her how to work the machine and we got together that way.”
Charles and Joyce were 20 when they first met and their first date was a trip to the cinema. They got married two years later at St Augustine’s Church.
After the war, Charles continued in his role at the factory.
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The happy couple had three children – Pauline, Roger and Peter – and they still live in the same house their children grew up in.
Pauline Cooper, 69, the couple’s daughter, revealed her parents also made plenty of sacrifices.
She said: “Dad gave up smoking so we could buy a motorbike and sidecar so that we could go on holidays.
“They have always looked after each other and they still do.”
A party was held for Charles and Joyce at Greshams, in Tuddenham Road to celebrate their platinum wedding.
About 50 members of their family turned up for the event.
But despite the impressive milestone, Joyce admitted there is no simple formula to a happy marriage.
She said: “I think it’s just luck – just being a happy contented family and that’s about all.
Charles added: “We are very compatible. We have a row now and again but they don’t last.”
Charles and Joyce have three children, seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and five great- great-grandchildren.
n Are you celebrating a special anniversary? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, IP4 1AN, or send an e-mail to starletters@archant. co.uk
