Port News journalist Laura Telford and photographer Ivan Sajko enjoyed an afternoon with the residents as they shared their secrets to a long and happy relationship.

Mrs Braddy said that the secret to a happy love-filled life is finding someone who adores you as much as you adore them.

Married to her husband Ronald John Braddy for 74 years, Mrs Braddy said that love is about accepting your partner and being their everything.

“He was the absolute love of my life, and I adored him and much as he adored me,” Mrs Braddy said.

“We loved each other and would talk about everything from little things to big things everything that was happening we spoke to each other about and anything I told him I knew wholeheartedly that he wouldn’t repeat it and he knew the same thing about me.”

Mrs Braddy said that to have a long and happy life with your partner you have to be dedicated to each other.

“We would do anything for each other, these days all people think about is themselves but back in my day we always thought of each other first,” she said.

“That is not to say we didn’t have arguments but above all we had love and that is the most important thing.”

“What is love? Well love is everything isn’t? Without it you have nothing.”

They are simple words, but Mrs Pilcher said it can’t get easier than that.

“Love is getting along with your partner and sometimes doing things you don’t want to do for them but knowing they will appreciate it,” Mrs Pilcher said.

“I think love has changed over the years because young people these days want to know what’s in it for them – not how they can help someone else.

“You should tell the person you love that you love them everyday because it is important to know you are loved.”

Very much still in love, Mr Garrington said that him and his wife Maisey probably know a little bit about love after being married for 67 years.

“I have known Maisey for over 70 years and we have been married for nearly 67 of those years so we can tell you a bit about love,” laughed Mr Garrington.

“Wanting to spend time with your partner is a good start, open communication and lots and lots of love can only help.

“Over the years we have had a great life, we travelled across the country together with our children, and we had a loving home life.

“Everyone is different and has different likes and dislikes but it is important to be compatible and lead a healthy and active life so you can spend the most time with the person you love.”

Companionship and lots and lots of love is the secret to a long happy marriage according to Mrs Bayliss.

“The key to a happy, long-lasting marriage is to be compatible, and to remember to take the time to share with your partner,” Mrs Bayliss said. 

“We all age so quickly so you have to make the most of every opportunity and tell the person you love, that you love them every day.

“Romance can be found everywhere and people should seek to find it because it is a beautiful thing, but I don’t think that you need a special day to tell someone you love them – you should do it everyday.”

A serial romantic, Mr Porter said he thinks love is important because it brings joy in to your life.

“Love is great, I love to love and be loved, and I think for me love is about good and happy memories and remembering to practice what you preach,” Mr Porter said.

Mr Porter said that even in today’s society love and romance is well and truly alive.

“Of course romance is still alive, everyone can love and everyone should love especially on Valentine’s Day.”