Westbury couple Joy & Les celebrate 65 years together

The anniversary couple.

A WESTBURY couple are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary on 19th March having got married at All Saints Church in 1949. 

Les and Joy Pinchin, who have lived in the town ever since, say the secret to a long and happy marriage is ‘mutual patience, respect, care and above all love.’

The couple who are now both 87 years old met when they were just 16 through one of Les’s friends. Les was born and bred in Westbury while Joy moved to the town having been evacuated from London during World War Two.

Their granddaughter Charley Scott said, “Les was keen on Joy when he was just 16 but as he was too shy he never asked her out and after that they didn’t see each other for years until they were both 21. After that they started seeing each other – or ‘courting’, as it was known then and the rest, as they say, is history. At the age of 23 they were married in All Saints Church, had the reception in ‘The Lopes/ Westbury Hotel’ and they’ve never left each other’s sides since.

“I believe fate brought them together, they were meant to be with one another. And they say that mutual patience, respect, care and above all love is what has made the marriage last.

“They have never told a lie to one another, they don’t keep secrets, they share their money, they appreciate all that they have, and they’d sooner go without then get into debt. They truly care for one another and have an unbreakable bond.

“Most of all, Nan’s cooking is the best and as Nan always says “the best way to man’s heart is through his stomach” my Gramps will only eat my Nan’s food – that, too, has made them last 65yrs! I have been with my partner since I was 16 and we’re now both 25 and I only hope to follow in their footsteps.

And in a message to her grandparents, Charley says, “I would like to congratulate you both on this great achievement, I only hope that Dann and I follow in your footsteps; you’re an inspiration. Above all, I want to thank you both for all you’ve done throughout my whole life. I love you best in the world, lots, and back again with a star sapphire on top.”

Les and Joy have  two children – Gary and Jacqui, six Grandchildren – Frances, Charlotte, Joe, Tyler, Zak and Kelly and three Great-Grandchildren – Matthew, Joshua and Aidan.