Chance meet led to marriage

12:23pm Thursday 10th April 2008

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LEONARD and Joyce Millard are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary after a chance encounter nearly 70 years ago.

The couple, of King's Avenue, Corsham, first met in Wiltshire when Mrs Millard visited her aunt as a 16-year-old.

She knew Mr Millard, who was living in Nettleton, as he was a friend of the family.

But they did not become a couple until six years later when Mrs Millard returned from her home in Brewood, Wolverhampton, to work for Westinghouse Brake and Signal factory.

Mrs Millard came back to Wiltshire, to work in the foundry, at Chippenham, living with her aunt at the time. She soon met Mr Millard again who worked in the same department. Not long after they became a couple and were inseparable.

Mrs Millard said: "We did everything together, we still do and really enjoy each other's company."

Three years later, Mr Millard, 88, proposed traditionally on one knee. Mrs Millard, 85, said: "He was such a gentleman with great manners. He still is now, that's one of the things that attracted me to him."

When Mrs Millard's father became ill they moved back to Brewood, where they married in April 24, 1948. But they could not get a house, so they moved back to Corsham where there were bungalows available.

Mr Millard went back to work for Westinghouse while his wife stayed at home and looked after their children.

They had three children; Michael, 60, Joyce, 58, and Anthony, 53, and eight grandchildren, Steven, 27, Andrew, 25, James, 25, Alexander, 22, Nick, 21, Sarah, 21, Christopher, 19 and Timmy, 17.

The couple also have two great grandchildren, Harry, four, and Honey, one.

Mr Millard retired 25 years ago after working for 50 years at Westinghouse.

When asked what makes a strong marriage, Mrs Millard said: "A lot of give and take.

We used to go on holiday once or twice a year with my sister Gwen and her husband Jim.

"We have been all over Britain together.'' The couple are planning a a celebration with family and friends at the Methuen Arms in Corsham on April 26.