A couple who have been married 75 years and who are both celebrating their 100th birthdays have revealed the secret of a long relationship - arguing every day. Josephine and Alfred Waterfield met in a pub when Josephine was working as a Land Girl the year before World War Two broke out.
Alfred, who served as a Marine at the time, married Josephine in 1947. Son Allen, 74, told the Daily Express: "They'd say the secret to a happy marriage and reaching 100 is to have a row every day. They are like that, nothing serious, just a bicker.
"It's rare nowadays to see marriages last so long so they got something right, and it's lovely. There's some hope for us all.
"My dad also likes whisky, it's his drink. He actually has a whisky chaser and a beer every day with his lunch and says that does him good. They both have a Baileys every night before they go to bed."
The couple, who have four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, married on April 5, 1947. Josephine, who was a housewife after the war, turned 100 on October 4.
Former steelworker Alfred reached the milestone on November 19. Their other son Brian visited from Perth, Australia, for the party at Barchester Elm Bank Care Home in Kettering, Northants.
Allen said: "We always wanted a nice celebration for them and found a time suitable for everyone really, with Brian and his family coming over from Australia and people arranging time off work. It was a fantastic time. Mum and Dad both loved it.”
Josephine and Alfred moved to the nursing home earlier this year. They used to be regulars at their nearest pub The Jug and Bottle in Corby, where Josephine would often play the piano and organ.
Jessica Pateman, general manager of Barchester Elm Bank Care Home said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable Husband and Wife as they both reach this amazing milestone.
"Alf and Jo are wonderful residents who always have an interesting tale to tell, and we look forward to hearing many more as they break into their next century."
