Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Centenarian couple married for 81 years reveal secret to a long and happy marriage

The couple, who met when they were 18, recall their special first date

Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Monday 11 December 2023 09:21 EST
Comments
(Supplied)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A centenarian couple has shared their advice for a long and happy marriage after celebrating 81 years together.

Dorothy Walter, 103, and Tim Walter, 102, met when they were 18-years-old during World War Two.

They made planes together in a factory in Southampton, and married three years later at 21.

The couple, who live together in a care home in Wingham, Kent said their secret to a successful marriage is that they “never argue”.

(Supplied)

Mr Walter said he used to “get on a bike in the evening” to see his wife.

The couple have been married for 81 years
The couple have been married for 81 years (Supplied)

“It’s a long time ago, we just took to each other. He took me to the pictures, that was it,” Mrs Walter told the BBC.

“We agree, we discuss, we don’t row.”

She added: “We can’t believe it’s 81 years.”

The couple married when they were 21
The couple married when they were 21 (Supplied)

After the war, Mr and Mrs Walter moved to Elmstone where they spent 32 years as farmers.

They also travelled around Europe on a boat.

They lived in their own home until they were 101-years-old, and moved into a residential care home last year.

The couple have two daughters, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in