Couple’s 65 years of wedded bliss

Vera and Bill Travis.

ONE of Oldham’s longest-serving married couples celebrates 65 years of wedded bliss today.

It’s a double celebration for Vera Travis as she enjoyed her 88th birthday yesterday before marking the magnificent milestone with husband Bill (87).

They enjoyed a meal with family at Royton’s Halfway House at the weekend to celebrate the blue-sapphire anniversary, while relatives and friends will be dropping by today at their Turfland Avenue home in Royton.

The couple met when they were 22 at the Savoy Dance Hall, now the Candlelight Club, in Oldham, and were married within a year at St Thomas’ Church.

Even the war couldn’t delay the wedding — although Bill had trouble getting material for a suit.

Bill went to Alexandra Park Junior School, Glodwick, and went on to work in engineering for Platts and Ferranti’s

Vera went to St Thomas’s School and worked testing cotton at Willow Bank Mill before becoming a winder and working in the office.

The couple used to enjoy caravanning holidays together as members of the Camping and Caravanning Club. Bill was also a talented painter with his oil paintings decorating their home.

Vera said: “It’s quite an achievement. We’re doing all right for our age. I never thought I would live until I was 88.”

Bill said: “She’s marvellous. I don’t know how she does it all.”

Asked for the secret of their success, they put it down to having a good sense of humour — while Bill says his longevity is down to having a good hospital, the Royal Oldham, close at hand.

The couple have two daughters, Christine (64) and Olwen (60); two grandchildren, Sean (42) and Joanne (26) and two great-grandchildren, Scott (10) and Rachel (4).