Miles of smiles on their 65th wedding anniversary (From Oxford Mail)

Miles of smiles on their 65th wedding anniversary

11:00am Tuesday 14th February 2012 in Oxford

This year’s Valentine’s Day has particular resonance for Bill and Joyce Dempsey as it is also their 65th wedding anniversary.

The couple, who live in Yarnton Residential and Nursing Home, met at a dance on Boxing Day 1946 after Joyce’s sister, Margaret Gamage, bet her she couldn’t ‘get’ the sailor.

Mrs Dempsey, nee Tuckett, was in Bletchingdon at the dance shortly after being demobbed, having acted as an anti-aircraft gunner in the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service. The 86-year-old said: “I got a kiss and 10 bob – we’ve been together ever since.”

The Royal Navy signalman and football player’s “lovely smile” attracted her. Mr Dempsey played for Headington United in the 1950s. The couple married at Abingdon Register Office on Valentine’s Day 1947 after a six-week romance and have two children, two grandsons and five great-grandchildren.

Of the secret to a long and happy marriage, Mrs Dempsey said: “We always had a giggle. And he does what I say.”

Mr Dempsey, 85, said: “She knows when she’s on to a good thing – and I was a very good one.”

The couple will celebrate with family, friends and other residents at the home.