Ray and Win Booth have reached a remarkable milestone, celebrating 80 years of marriage after their relationship began during the Second World War.
The couple, aged 102 and 101, marked their anniversary with a special celebration attended by family members, fellow residents and staff at their care home.
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Among those present was their daughter, Caroline, as well as Councillor Paul Gardner, Chair of Portishead Town Council, who joined them in marking eight decades of marriage.
Ray and Win first became acquainted in 1943 while Ray was serving with the Royal Air Force in Canada.
A fellow serviceman introduced Ray to his sister, Win, who was living in England, and the pair began communicating as pen pals.
Their relationship continued through the war before they eventually met in person.
After the war ended, the couple’s relationship grew stronger and they married in August 1946.
Eight decades later, they remain together, having built a family and shared countless memories throughout their marriage.
Reflecting on their early relationship, Ray recalled a humorous moment during a formal meeting with Win’s parents that convinced him they were well suited.
“We’re very flattered to have the lounge named after us.”
“Be warned – we may be putting a collection box at the door and charging an entrance fee for those wanting to use the space.”
Speaking about how he felt when he first met Win, Ray added:
“I knew she was the one for me when we had a formal tea with Win’s parents, but it was too formal for me, so I threw a handful of jelly at Win.
“Win’s parents thought ‘oh no’ and Win threw some back at me.
“They could see we were well suited.”
The couple’s care home went all out to make their 80th anniversary memorable.
Chef Nick Thick recreated their two-tier wedding cake, decorating it with white icing and red roses, while a pianist played some of their favourite songs.
The room was decorated with bunting, balloons, fairy lights and anniversary cards.
The local Help for Heroes team also contributed to the celebration by donating 80 balloons and a certificate to commemorate the couple’s extraordinary milestone.
Ray and Win went on to have a daughter, Caroline, and later welcomed a granddaughter named Jenny.
In 1961, the couple moved to Clevedon, Somerset, where they discovered that they shared a passion for the performing arts.