A HARTFORD couple celebrate 65 years of marriage today (Wednesday) after waiting 12 years to be together as husband and wife. Jack and Joan Crabb, who live in Rodney Road met in London through Jack s aunt in 1935 while Joan was working in service. But at

A HARTFORD couple celebrate 65 years of marriage today (Wednesday) after waiting 12 years to be together as husband and wife.

Jack and Joan Crabb, who live in Rodney Road met in London through Jack's aunt in 1935 while Joan was working in service.

But at the time they were just 16 years old and had to wait until Joan was 21 to marry. Her parents had died and there was no-one to give her marriage parental consent.

The pair were eventually married in London in 1941, but only just before Jack went away with the army. They did not see each other for another seven years.

Joan said: "It wasn't really love at first sight, I was only allowed out once a week and had to be in by 10pm, so it was hard to find time to see each other."

Sadly, they lost their wedding photos in the war so only have their memories.

"My wedding day was lovely," Joan said. "I bought my own beautiful white dress and had such a happy day."

After the war Jack, who is now 85, worked as chief signal engineer in the department at Telstar House, Paddington. Joan, now 86, had her hands full with their children, four daughters and one son - Pam, 62, Brian, 59, Brenda, 57, Jacqui 50, and Beverly 43 - but also worked as a dinner lady.

They moved to Hartford when Jack retired from the railways more than 20 years ago.

Their daughter Jacqui told The Hunts Post: "We have all done our best to furnish them with lots of grandchildren - 12 - and those who are old enough have already obliged with great grandchildren - 10 - and one more on the way!"

Jacqui along with lots of other friends and family, joined Jack and Joan at Hartford Village Hall for a celebration at the weekend. The couple's anniversary is today but they celebrated their years together on June 24 with over 35 friends and family.

"It was a lovely day and we both had a wonderful time, it was nice to see everyone and be with our family" said Joan.

She added that the secret to a long and happy marriage is "a lot of give and take, don't run away after small tiffs, you have to work it out.