Devoted couple Peter and Beryl Elvidge have celebrated 70 years of marriage with a family celebration at their home in Beverley.
The couple met when they were teenagers and got married on 13th December 1952 at Beverley Registry Office.
Despite some doubters saying their marriage wouldn’t last six weeks, the couple proved them all wrong and were delighted to receive a special card from King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla congratulating them on their Platinum anniversary.
Peter who celebrated his 93rd birthday on New Year’s Eve, said they have shared some good times and are a happy couple.
He said: “We were married at Beverley Registry Office, which at the time was on Lairgate opposite the Windmill because I went in there for half a pint before we got married!
“We have had a good marriage and enjoyed some good laughs. We have had our ups and down like all couples but we are happy enough.”
After getting married, the couple went on to have six children, 10 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and a great great grandchild.
After leaving school at 14, Peter, who was born in Woodmansey before moving to Beverley, worked on a farm at Arram and worked on the land up until his retirement at 65.
Beryl, who was born and raised in the town, worked in Richard Kerr’s grocery shop until she got married.
he spent her time raising the children and when they were at school, she would work picking potatoes and sprouts.
Beryl said: “We had a lovely day celebrating and were surrounded by our family.
“We have received so many cards and bunches of flowers and a special card from King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla.
“It was a very pleasant surprise and such a lovely photograph of them both.”
Their daughter Carol described her parents as simply “amazing”.
She said: “On their anniversary I put a post on social media and we received so many kind messages from people we don’t even know and I just think they are amazing.”
Reflecting on their long marriage, Peter said: “People said we would only last six weeks, but here we are and we have always been very happy.”
Beryl added: “I couldn’t be without him!”
