2:34pm Thursday 9th August 2007
A couple who met writing letters to each other during World War II have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in Worcester Park.
George Riley, 87, and wife Vera, 82, celebrated 60 years of marriage on July 19 at Servite House in the Avenue, where they have been living in sheltered accommodation for the past seven years.
The couple married in 1947 and lived in Clapham for most of their married life. They were first introduced through Vera's brother-in-law, who was serving as a chef in George's regiment in Italy.
Vera said: "Most of George's friends had been killed or injured, so he was wandering around on his own. My brother-in-law saw him and asked if he wanted something to eat - and he said that would be lovely'.
"My picture was up on the wall in the kitchen and George asked who I was. My brother-in-law said you can write to her if you like, she'll send you cigarettes'."
The couple met for the first time when George was on leave. At their first meeting Vera knocked his pint over, because she was so nervous.
But they stayed in contact and married two years after the war ended. Vera said the secret of their long marriage was "a bit of give and take".
Daughter Jennifer Doughty said: "They are a very loving and devoted couple and they suit each other very well. It is quite an achievement - not many couples get to 60 years now."
George, who was a piper in the London Irish Rifle regiment, worked for many years as a bus inspector, and Vera worked in the Passport Office.
They have four children - Christine, 59, Jennifer, 57, Barbara, 54, and Richard, 44 - eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
They retired to Norfolk and lived there for 22 years, but returned to Worcester Park to be near their family.
Jennifer's husband Peter took up the bagpipes five years ago, following in George's footsteps. His pipe band played in Servite House on the couple's anniversary.
The whole Riley family joined George and Vera at a party on July 21, including bridesmaid from their wedding June Messenger. She has known Vera since they were 16 and worked together in the laundry room of the Savoy Hotel in Clapham.
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