CHILDHOOD sweethearts celebrated an impressive 75 years of married life together.

Ruth and Fred Stanford went to the same primary school, St Luke’s Church of England Primary School in Guildford, but did not meet properly until they both attended a 16th birthday party.

They hit it off and married at 21 in the same year Queen Elizabeth married Prince Philip – and have been together ever since.

Yesterday, the 96-year-olds at Barchester White Lodge care home near Royal Wootton Bassett enjoyed cake, live music, and a display of nostalgic photographs.

They received a card from the Queen, a bouquet of flowers and lapel pins from Royal Wootton Bassett mayor Pat Farrow, and an aircraft photo from Master Air Crew Brian Kayll and Sgt Isla Cudlipp at RAF Brize Norton.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Fred and Ruth Stanford have a visit from RAF Brize Norton on their 75th wedding anniversaryFred and Ruth Stanford have a visit from RAF Brize Norton on their 75th wedding anniversary

Fred was the longest serving RAF officer to keep up his flying hours when he retired. He joined at 17 after asking his dad for permission to do so, flew Lancaster Bombers during the Second World War, was based at Butterworth and piloted 37 types of aircraft in their arsenal – except for the Spitfire – right up until retirement at 65.

He sat outside and had a rest in the summer sunshine while decorated in his many medals, with Ruth by his side as always.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: White Lodge care home staff present Ruth Stanford with a cakeWhite Lodge care home staff present Ruth Stanford with a cake

What’s the secret to such a long-lasting and happy marriage? Ruth said: “I have not got a clue! I never thought we would get to this, it’s just one of those things, it seems as though Fred has been around forever.

“This was a lovely day – even better than the wedding! The care home has done wonderfully well, I’m not sure we deserve it all, though I know it’s amazing to have been married for such a long time.”

Ruth was chair of the Bassett Women’s Institute for many years and Fred was one of the founders of the town’s Otters swimming club.

They raised three children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Son Gordon and daughter Christine visited them on their special day.

Christine said: “Mum is feisty with a lovely spirit and Dad was a great partygoer in his youth. They looked after us well. We had good fun as kids and travelled around the world because of Dad’s work. We lived in Singapore for a few years.

“They’ve really made the most of their retirement and went on amazing holidays sightseeing around Europe, they’ve had an adventurous life.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Ruth and Fred Stanford on their wedding day in 1947Ruth and Fred Stanford on their wedding day in 1947

Gordon remembered his father saying about the RAF: “If someone gave you the best toys in the world to play with and paid you to do it, of course you’d sign up.”

Gordon added: “I remember a lot of laughter at home with them. Dad was very commanding and focused and took charge – his career is testament to that – but it was always done with a lot of humour and he was willing to laugh at himself and admit when he got things wrong.

“He never knew his limitations and achieved everything he wanted to do – even after he retired, he didn’t stop. He rebuilt the garage, the front extension, and a classic car all by himself.

“Mum took us to Singapore on her own to meet him when we moved – it took three days back then, it was a different world – and she was always doing the shopping, cooking and cleaning.

“Mum and Dad were always there for us, with financial or emotional support. They don’t think there’s a big secret to a happy marriage, just care and respect and regard."

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: A nostalgic gallery of photos from Fred and Ruth's lives togetherA nostalgic gallery of photos from Fred and Ruth's lives together

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: