It’s been a wonderful ride for a couple whose love story began at Dreamland.

Alan Relf from Tonbridge first cast eyes on his wife of 50 years Gladys during a day out at the Margate theme park with friends.

A drink in the bar under the ballroom led to three years of courting with the couple seeing each other only once a week.

They tied the knot in a small ceremony at Dover Register Office on August 30, 1969, followed by a reception at The White Horse in Finglesham.

Mrs Relf, from Northbourne, wore a short 60s style dress with a lace jacket and carried a bouquet of roses and white stephanotis. They celebrated the following week with a day out in Calais.

Having not lived together they received the usual gifts of cutlery and a toaster helping them to set up home together in a flat in The Strand in Walmer.

Two years later, they moved to a family home in La Tene in Deal where they have remained for 48 years.

They have two children: Darrel was born in 1972 followed by Kelly in 1974. They gave them five grandchildren.

Mrs Relf, 73, said: “I think the biggest thing is trust and a bit of give and take.”

Retired engineer Mr Relf, 74, added: “And caring for each other. We’ve always looked after each other and been around for each other.”

The pair celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a cruise on the Marella Explorer 2 around Italy and the South of France, taking cards they’d been given with them to open on the day.

Mrs Relf said: “It was the perfect way to celebrate.”

A history of Dreamland

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