High Wycombe couple mark 71 years of marriage

A High Wycombe couple have celebrated a remarkable milestone – and shared their advice for a long and successful marriage.

Audrey and Wreford Gibbs, both 94 and residents at Care UK’s Ridley Manor in Lane End, marked their 71st wedding anniversary in style.

They were surprised by the care home team, who organised a special trip to Osaka, in High Wycombe, after hearing Wreford had always wanted to try the cuisine. The pair dressed to the nines to enjoy maki rolls, sashimi and brave some wasabi!

After they indulged their cravings, the couple reminisced about their early days together and revealed their secrets to a happy marriage.

When asked for the key to everlasting love, Audrey said: “Avoid quarrelling all the time!”

Wreford added: “It is about give and take, and always trying to understand the other person’s perspective.”

The pair met in 1953 through one of Audrey's colleagues when she was working at a hair salon in Somerset. Her first impression of Wreford was that he was a “kind and pleasant chap.” 

It was love at first sight, with Wreford recalling Audrey was “warm and chatty!”

The couple married on 19th March 1955 at Holy Cross Church in Taunton and enjoyed a honeymoon in Bournemouth. After Wreford completed his national service, the couple moved to High Wycombe, where he continued his career as a quantity surveyor and Audrey worked in another hair salon.

Once their two children, Jon and Susan, had left home, Wreford and Audrey were able to fulfil their bucket list wish to travel the world. They visited countries such as New Zealand, Fiji, China, Cuba and South Africa, where they developed their passion for trying new foods.

The couple have also shared a love of sport and community life. Wreford played for Holford Cricket Club, Audrey took part in Scottish dancing and played tennis at the local club, and both were loyal season ticket holders of Wasps Rugby Football Club. 

They now enjoy spending time with Jon and Susan as well as their six grandchildren. They listen to audiobooks, flick through old photos and reminisce about their earlier years together.

Estelle Adriaans, Home Manager at Ridley Manor, said: “Audrey and Wreford are such a lovely couple and a real joy to have here. You can see how much they care for each other. Whether they’re sharing a laugh or sitting together in the garden, it’s clear their bond is something really special.

“Celebrating their 71st wedding anniversary was a wonderful moment for everyone. Here at Ridley Manor, we enjoy organising new experiences – like trying sushi for the first time!

“It was a day full of love, laughter and happy memories. We’re so lucky to have been a part of it.”

Ridley Manor provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to lead fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, the home incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, including a cinema, hair and beauty salon and café.