A COUPLE from Cornwall have shared their secrets of a long and happy marriage as they prepare to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary this month.
Ken and Gloria Thomas, aged 80 and 79 respectively, live on Ford’s Row, in Redruth and were married on September 14, 1963, when Gloria was just 18 years old.
The couple met in a Cornish Woolworths shop where Gloria was working at the time. Ken, who was working as a tin miner at Crofty Mine and was also in the Merchant Navy, asked Gloria out on a date.
After a few dates, Gloria and Ken separated briefly whilst Ken went away to sea. However, a while later, Ken and Gloria bumped into one another at a bus station and decided to give their relationship another go.
Ken left the Merchant Navy and began working at South Crofty Tin Mine whilst Gloria continued to work in Woolworths.
Once the couple were married, they moved into a small caravan on Lighthouse Hill in Portreath to save money to buy a house.
After years of saving, they bought their first house, a cottage in Illogan for £1,800. They lived in the cottage for many years, and in that time welcomed their children, Gayle and Gary.
Their daughter Gayle Howe (nee Thomas) was once a beauty queen and was named Miss Camborne. She was also the owner of a hair salon in Truro, which is now known as Coco Blu.
She currently lives in Australia with her husband and two children. Sadly, due to his health, Ken and Gloria can’t visit, but they Skype daily.
Their son, Gary, lives in Troon with his partner and two children. He makes bespoke items out of wood and works at the Maritime Museum in Falmouth.
In the past Gloria has shown dogs at Crufts, even with best in breed with her West Highland Terrier one year.
Over the years, the couple have faced numerous challenges, including Ken being diagnosed with lung cancer ten years ago, on the day that the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Gloria told the Packet: “Poor old Ken developed lung cancer.
“We said we wouldn’t celebrate our anniversary because there was so much worry about Ken’s health.
“But then Gail and Gary took over and said, ‘Yes mum, we’re going to arrange it for you’ and we did end up having a nice celebration. But it was a hell of a year that year.
“But touch wood he has been in remission for ten years. We’re very lucky.”
When asked what the secret was to a long and happy marriage, Gloria said: “Just keep as busy as you can.
“Always pick each other up and not put them down, be kind to each other.
“Just help as many people as you can together.”
Gloria jokingly added: “I am the boss, although he (Ken) thinks he’s the boss, but I am definitely the boss!”
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