Bobby & Muriel celebrate their 64th wedding anniversary

GLOBETROTTING Hebburn couple Bobby & Muriel Bruce have celebrated over six decades of marriage with a party at Willowdene Care Home.

The pair, who loved to travel and have friends around the world, were given flowers, gifts and cards to mark 64 years of marriage.

Entertainment was provided by The Idea 500, a Blyth-based charity comprising of retired musicians who perform for free at care homes, fundraisers and charity events.

Bobby first met Muriel when she was invited to an afternoon tea by a friend, after which he walked her home.

They later married in September 1954 at St Cuthbert’s Church, in Hebburn.

Bobby worked in a local shipyard and Muriel was a comptometer operator, calculating wages for railroad companies.

Muriel, 88, said: “The secret to a long marriage is being each other’s best friend.

“We also both loved to travel and made friends all over the world.

“Our favourite place to visit was South Africa. Both Bobby and I felt humbled when we visited Robben Island and saw Nelson Mandela’s cell and the museum.

“Bobby especially enjoyed visiting the safari parks and seeing lions and elephants.”

Bobby, 92, moved into Willowdene Care Home, on Victoria Road West, in July 2016.

Muriel added: “I have been delighted with the care Bobby receives at Willowdene, as he always looks so happy.

“I’d like to thank the staff for putting on an anniversary celebration for us and for the cards and gifts. It was a lovely surprise.”

Christine Chandler, activities coordinator at Willowdene Care Home, said: “Muriel is one of our most regular visitors and you can see she and Bobby are still very much in love.

“64 years of marriage is an amazing milestone and we wanted to help them celebrate by throwing a small party.

“Everyone had a great time, especially the happy couple.”