Globetrotting couple celebrate more than six decades of marriage

Bobby and Muriel Bruce, from Hebburn, marked their 64th wedding anniversary with a party at Willowdene Care Home.

The pair, who loved to travel and have friends around the world, were given flowers, gifts and cards to mark the impressive milestone on Tuesday, September 4.

On their special day the pair were able to enjoy entertainment provided by The Idea 500, a Blyth-based charity comprising of retired musicians who perform for free at care homes, fundraisers and charity events.

Their love story started with an afternoon tea, where Bobby first met Muriel who was invited to the event by a friend.

Afterwards Bobby walked Muriel home and the pair eventually became a couple.

They went on to marry at St Cuthbert’s Church, in Hebburn, in September 1954. 
In their younger days, Bobby worked in a local shipyard and Muriel was a comptometer operator, which meant she calculated the wages for railroad companies.

Now aged 88, Muriel revealed their secret to a long and happy marriage.

She said: “The secret to a long marriage is being each other’s best friend.

“We also both loved to travel and made friends all over the world.”

The well-travelled pair said their favourite place to visit was South Africa.

Muriel said: “Both Bobby and I felt humbled when we visited Robben Island and saw Nelson Mandela’s cell and the museum.

“Bobby especially enjoyed visiting the safari parks and seeing lions and elephants.”

Bobby, 92, moved into Willowdene Care Home, on Victoria Road West, in July 2016, and the couple remain very much in love.

Muriel added: “I have been delighted with the care Bobby receives at Willowdene, as he always looks so happy.

“I’d like to thank the staff for putting on an anniversary celebration for us and for the cards and gifts.

“It was a lovely surprise.”

Christine Chandler, activities coordinator at Willowdene, congratulated the pair on their anniversary, saying: “Muriel is one of our most regular visitors and you can see she and Bobby are still very much in love.

“Their 64 years of marriage is an amazing milestone and we wanted to help them celebrate by throwing a party.

“Everyone had a great time, especially the happy couple.”