11:36am Wednesday 8th September 2010
By Christine Fleming
Laughter and dancing is the secret of success for one couple, who are still as in love now as they were when they met more than half a century ago.
John Bell and his wife Mary, of Campbell Road, Twickenham, celebrated 60 years of marriage this week at a party at the Bloomsbury pub - and the diamond couple had plenty of special memories to share.
Mrs Bell, 89, affectionately called Molly by her husband, said: “We met at a dance hall in Isleworth and it was very strange as I went off on the bus and left him and the next day the phone rang [at the Richmond Hill hotel - where I worked] and it was John.
“I said I couldn’t talk to him but he rang again and said could I meet him at the Richmond Odeon. We met and went on after that.”
The couple, who were in their twenties when they met at the dance, are originally from Ireland but both moved to Twickenham shortly before they met.
Described by friends and family as “wonderful people” the Bells are known for their welcoming nature and having an open house that has always been filled with laughter.
The couple who have lived in Richmond and Twickenham for their entire married life have two children Anne, 55 and Richard, 58.
Their daughter said: “ They have always been honest with one another and always laughed and been very happy - that’s why they have lasted for such a good long time.
“They have both been so happy their whole lives.”
The Bells officially marked 60 years of marriage on September 5 but waited until Monday night to celebrate with their friends.
At their party they were joined by more than 50 people, including Mrs Bell’s sister Joan and brother-in-law Liam, who wanted to wish the happy couple well, share in a slice of the heart shaped anniversary cake, and take a peek at the card sent to them by the Queen.
Mr Bell, 86, said: “It’s been lovely.”
Mrs Bell added: “I’m very excited and I couldn’t stop laughing with the photographer came - I could not stop smiling I was so happy.”
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