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Marriage of 70 years began with a kiss in the dark

BBC June and Bill Franks celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary sat either side of a desk with anniversary cards between themBBC
June says Bill's sense of humour has kept her going over the years

A Somerset couple are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary after sharing their first kiss in the dark at Wellington Monument.

On 6 August 1950, William and Rosemary Franks, known as Bill and June, met for the first time after separately attending a sports event at the monument with friends.

June said she and Bill lit a candle and walked up the monument together but on their way down the flame went out - leading to their first kiss.

The couple, now aged 91 and 88 years-old, have two children, five grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Family photo June and Bill Franks celebrate their 70th wedding anniversaryFamily photo
Bill and June initially had a long-distance relationship

As first reported in Burnham-On-Sea.com, the couple recently celebrated 70 years of marriage on 6 August.

When asked about their first kiss, Bill described it as "alright, as far as I can remember".

June said they didn't "even say cheerio" after meeting, they just went home and "didn't think" much more about it.

A year later, they coincidentally bumped into one another nearby June's home.

She said her Grandad gave Bill his approval "straight away".

Soon after, June moved from Wellington to live in Branscombe, Devon, and Bill joined the Army so the couple spent years exchanging letters in a long-distance courtship.

When Bill eventually came back from the army, the couple would cycle to meet at a bridge halfway between Hemyock and Branscombe.

'Best of mates'

Bill later proposed to June in the Picture House in Sidmouth, and on 6 August 1954, they got married in Honiton registry office.

Eventually, the couple got their own house in Hemyock and had their son and daughter.

They now have five grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren - all of whom have celebrated their 70th milestone.

The couple also received a card from the King and Queen for their anniversary.

When describing his marriage, Bill said: "We're friends and we just work together.

"We've always sorted things out there and then rather than leaving any disagreements for the next day."

June says: "We're the best of mates and we help one another. We take it one day at a time."

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