DUNSTABLE-BORN couple Gladys and Ken Munt celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary at their home in Eaton Bray Road, Northall, with their large family.
Having spent 60 years together, they have three children, 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
The couple were married on January 5, 1952 at the Methodist Church, The Square, Dunstable. Their wedding reception was held at the White Hart pub, which stood in Dunstable High Street, and they remember the weather being better than it was on Thursday!
Bridesmaids were Gladys’s sister Dora Sear and her friend Dorothy Phillips, who both still live locally. Ken’s best man was his friend Ted Elms.
Gladys, 77, and Ken, 82, have lived in this area all their lives. Ken was born at his family home in the Chalk Cutting on the A5, while Gladys was born in Dunstable.
When the couple were married they settled in Northall and have been at their present home for 58 years.
The Queen sent a card of congratulations and Ken joked: “There was no money in it!”
Gladys has been a housewife and mum for most of their marriage, but before she had children she worked at Waterlow printers in Dunstable. Ken became a self-employed builder after leaving the Royal Signals in 1951.
He takes great pride in some of the houses built locally, especially The Pastures at Edlesborough where he was part of the construction team. He was also well known for playing football for Eaton Bray.
The couple say 60 years of married bliss is down to helping one another and never going to bed on an argument. Gladys said: “Couples should talk to each other and sort problems out.”
Among the gifts they received for their anniversary were several bouquets and an ample supply of photo frames.
On their marriage Gladys joked: “I keep saying I need a medal – but no-one has bought me one!”
Proudly on display at their home is a photo of Ken’s parents Jim and Ivy Munt, who also celebrated 60 years of marriage back in 1989 before they both passed away. Ivy lived until she was 98.