This devoted couple who first met as teenagers in Exeter just after the Second World War are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary in the city this week.
Ralph, 83, and Maureen, 79, Wright met as youngsters in Burnthouse Lane, Wonford, in 1948. And on Thursday they will mark 60 years of marriage after surviving the test of time together in Exeter.
"We love each other and look after each other – that's what keeps us together," said Maureen.
It is more than 66 years since their chance meeting outside the post office in Wonford.
"We started chatting, and one thing led to another," said Maureen who, then aged 15, lived in Rifford Road.
Some six years later, on September 4, 1954, they got married at St Michael's and All Angel's Church in Heavitree.
Their reception was held at an auntie's house in Whipton, and the couple spent their honeymoon in Bournemouth, on the south coast.
"That was like going abroad then," Maureen added.
Ralph worked as a carpenter apprentice to R Packer and Son of Whipton, before joining thousands of others in doing his national service in the RAF.
The couple had five children – Kevin, Beverley, Stephen, Lesley and Susan.
As well as being a mother and housewife, Maureen also worked part-time at Exeter's Redhills Hospital.
Some time later they began taking in foreign students at the local language schools.
And over a period of more than 13 years they looked after more than 100 students.
They have kept in touch with a few – and even managed to visit one in Tokyo, Japan.
In 1998 the couple moved to Exminster where are they enjoying a peaceful retirement.
As well as their children, they have 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
The details of their diamond wedding anniversary celebration have been kept a closely-guarded secret.
Maureen said: "We're really looking for to it – I keep wondering what it's going to be."
