A couple who retired to the Isle of Wight nearly 40 years ago celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary last weekend (July 2).

Cyril and Joan Jenner, who both celebrate their birthday in September, turning 90 and 91, were both brought up in the Lewes area in East Sussex.

The couple first met in Lewes Town Hall at a dance when Joan was 22 and Cyril, who was on leave from national service, was 21.

Cyril worked radar in the RAF during his national service and spent time at bases, including RAF Wartling. 

Cyril and Joan were married in 1955 in The Church of St Peter Offham and have three children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In 1986, Cyril, who worked as a station master, heard talk of railway privatisation and opted to take redundancy and retire, with the couple moving to the Island and finding their home in Shorwell. 

The County Press asked Cyril what the secret is to a long and happy marriage, and he joked: “Say yes to each other all of the time!”

He continued: “I’ve never been the sort of person to argue with people. We never have a row, and we don’t swear.”

The pair celebrated their anniversary with a meal at home, and their carer treated them to a special cream tea.