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This Valentine's Day, we’ve had the pleasure of sitting down with a remarkable couple who have spent the past 60 years together – Bill and Esther Dallas. Now residing at Richmond Villages Wood Norton, our beautiful Evesham retirement village, Bill and Esther share their experience of a love that has truly stood the test of time!

Could you tell me a bit about how you first met and what drew you to each other?

Bill: I was in the forces, and I'd just come back from Singapore. I was going back home to Wick in the north of Scotland. I got on the train. There was nobody around at that time because it was early. I went and got changed and when I came back, Esther was in the carriage with two or three other people. Once we got over the Forth bridge, the rest of the people got out, and really, it was just the two of us left.

Esther: And my mother had said to me, ‘never stay in a compartment on a train on your own with a strange man.’ So, I looked at Bill in the far corner, and I was in the other corner, and he was dozing off to sleep. And I'd just come off night duty because I was nursing, and I was dozing off to sleep. So, I thought, well, we’ll not be any harm to each other, I don't think.

Edinburgh to Wick was a long, long journey. And we got chatting and chatting and then, as we parted, Bill said to me ‘I'll meet you on the first good day in Wick.’ And in Wick, there aren’t many good weather days! But it must have been meant to be because it was a good day, so I went into Wick and met him.

What do you think the secret is to make a marriage last for six decades, as you both have?

Bill: Trusting each other. Understanding each other. And I think always having time for each other.

Esther: Because quite often when you have children, you’re very involved in housework and the children, and the husband could perhaps feel a bit out of things, and I've always made time. Despite having four children, we always had time each night for ourselves.

Bill and Esther on their wedding day.

Over 60 years you’ve had a lot of Valentine's days. What has been your favourite way to celebrate it?

Esther: Having spent Valentine’s Day in many ways and in exotic places, our favourite way to celebrate has always been a romantic meal for two, and this is how we will celebrate in our apartment here at Richmond Villages tonight. I will cook Bill his favourite meal and along with a nice bottle of wine, and we will reminisce on the happy memories we have of our wonderful family and many friends.

Do you have any advice for any younger couples about building a lasting relationship?

Bill: Much the same as what we said being true to each other and having time for each other. Finding different things to do as you get older.

How do you keep the romance alive after so many years together?

Esther: We've just always liked being together and talking together, doing things together - like soul mates. We used to travel a lot; we enjoyed travelling. We lived 39 years abroad, in Singapore and Cyprus.

Looking back, what are you most grateful for in your marriage?

Esther: Grateful for our closeness, for having good health for so long and being able to enjoy life, which we still very much enjoy here. We've got a wonderful family: 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Bill: It gets very expensive at Christmas time!

Esther: Our family are very grateful that we have settled so happily here, and they love to see all the things we do. You know, I just think ‘how lucky we are’.

Bill and Esther moved to Richmond Villages Wood Norton over 5 years ago, into one of our stunning Independent Living apartments. They enjoy a busy schedule of activities together and are looking forward to celebrating 61 happy years of marriage in July this year.

Find out more about Richmond Villages Wood Norton.