Ted and Peggy's special day in 1941

by Rachel Hovenden

Their courting consisted of hiding in air raid shelters with chickens whilst bombs thudded over head.

Seventy years later, Ted, 91, and Peggy Rouse, 92, known affectionately as Mr and Mrs Northfleet, have celebrated their platinum anniversary with a party thrown for them by family and friends.

Ted and Peggy married on June 28, 1941 at All Saints’ Church in Perry Street, Northfleet.

They were only allowed three photographs at their wedding and friends and family donated their ration cards so that they could have a fitting reception afterwards.

The pair are familiar figures in the area, living at their home in Johnson Close, Northfleet for about 50 years.

Ted, spent 37 years in local government and was the first ever leader of Gravesham council in 1973.

Peggy was also a councillor for many years and a founding member of Northfleet’s Age Concern.

Ted conceived the idea of providing a council-run guest house at Westgate for those who could not normally afford a holiday.

He was the first freeman of the borough in 1982 and was awarded an MBE in 1978.

Ted gave his reasons why he thinks the pair have lasted so long.

He said: “We got on really well when we started courting.

“You just know when you’re in love but you have to keep talking to each other.”

Peggy said: “I always say to youngsters when I go to weddings, if you have a dispute go out for a walk and then when you get back you will see it in a different light.”

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