Whitchurch, Shropshire, couple mark 74 years of marriage

Stan and Pearl Biddulph, of Alkington, marked their 74th wedding anniversary on Sunday, September 6. They were one of just a few couples from around the world the make the milestone. But despite this, they said it was just a normal day at home for them and saved any big plans as they await Stan's 100th birthday in just four weeks time. Pearl, 93, said the pair were introduced by a mutual friend in 1949, but added it wasn't love at first sight. She told the Whitchurch Herald: "We were introduced by a friend and we just started going out. "It wasn't really love at first sight, but it did grow into love." The couple were engaged the following year and married on September 6, 1952. They spent most of the lives in the Tamworth area, before moving to Whitchurch 10 years ago. Stan worked in finance, while Pearl was a shorthand typist before becoming a teacher in a local junior school. They have two daughters, Susan and Ruth, and two granddaughters, as well as a great-grandson. Pearl said they spent their anniversary at home, adding: "We spent the day at home. It was a nice, quiet day. "It's just a normal day for us, nothing out of the ordinary!" But they did receive another card of congratulations from King Charles and Queen Camilla. Pearl said they have quite a collection of cards from the Royal Family for all the anniversaries they have marked over the years, and even received one of the last ones sent out by Queen Elizabeth II that arrived on September 6, 2022, before she died just two days later. When asked what the secret is to a long, happy and healthy marriage, Pearl said "tolerance!" All being well, they will be looking ahead to their Diamond wedding, marking 75 years, in 12 months time.