A DEVOTED couple have celebrated 70 years of marriage and revealed their secret as — “a lot of bleeding patience.” Dolly, 89, and Stan Izatt, 91, whose relationship blossomed when they wrote to each other during World War II, marked their platinum wedding anniversary this week. The couple who were both born and raised in London where they lived opposite each other, tied the knot in 1947 when Dolly was 19 and Stan was 21. But despite a lifetime of happiness, it was far from love at first sight for Dolly who says she was eventually worn down by her future husband’s persistence. And spending seven decades together, she revealed, “In marriage you need love, you need trust — and you need a lot of bleeding patience.” She added, “When I first met Stan, I fancied his friend — I didn’t fancy him at all. “But within a couple of weeks he was telling everybody he was going to marry me, don’t ask me why. “I mean then I was 15, straight hair, never wore makeup — but everywhere I went he followed me, on his bike. “I’ve gone in a shop and bought something to avoid him, but there we are — he persevered and wore me down I think.” Stan, a World War II veteran, eventually made a break through and asked Dolly if she would write to him when he was away on service. The soldier said he would not write back but would like to receive the letters. When Dolly demanded replies or else she would not put pen to paper he gave in, and in some cases he had to have six books on his desk while writing as he struggled to find the words. Once back from the conflict they married. The platinum pair described themselves as “very lucky” and have some insightful advice for anyone searching for the key behind a long-lasting and successful marriage. Dolly added, “When our grandson got married in May, Stan decided he would give him the benefit of his advice. “He said to him in marriage you need love, you need trust and you need a lot of bleeding patience — and for once I agree with him and that doesn’t happen very often.”(SD-Agencies) | 