Saffron Walden: Couple celebrates platinum wedding anniversary

Deryck and Mollie Chambers met at a dance in Clavering in 1949, when they were both still at school. Deryck was 18 and Mollie was 16.

Mollie said: "I think his first words were 'would you like an ice cream?' and he says he's been paying for that ever since."

The couple got married at Birchanger Church in January 1953, on the same day that East Anglia suffered devastating floods.

Deryck and Mollie Chambers on their windy wedding day in 1953 (Image: Courtesy of the Chambers family)

"It was very windy," Mollie said. "I was holding on to my hat in the pictures with my dress all up high, but we didn't have the rain."

The couple has lived in Duxford for the past 30 years, but have strong links to the Walden area.

Deryck, who is 92, was born and grew up in Great Chesterford, while 90-year-old Mollie was born in Bishop's Stortford.

As a child, Deryck attended Newport Free Grammar School - now Joyce Frankland Academy. 

The couple started their married life in Little Chesterford, while Mollie worked at Saffron Walden Post Office. Their only son Stephen was born in Saffron Walden.

Deryck played football for Saffron Walden FC, and was goalkeeper from 1949 to 1956. He also did two years of national service in the RAF.

For more than 50 years Deryck has also been a member of Saffron Walden Lions' Club.

When asked about the secret to a long married life, Mollie said: "It's about give and take. We very rarely have tiffs. 

"When we first married we had a few tiffs - I think I threw a sauce bottle at him once - but we settled down. I was only 20."

To celebrate their anniversary, Deryck and Mollie are going back to Birchanger Church where they got married, where they will be welcomed by the vicar for a blessing. They also plan to recreate their wedding photograph outside the church.

Afterwards they are going for lunch with their son Stephen and his partner.

The couple has one grandson, Jesse, who is currently teaching English in Vietnam.