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Search ends for Bucks' oldest married couple
A restaurant owner from Chalfont St Giles believes he has found the oldest married couple in Bucks and he treated them to a slap up meal to celebrate the happy event.
Salvatore Fernandez, proprietor of the White Hart Inn in Three Households, hit upon the idea of hosting Mary and Thomas Bayliss, Bristolians who tied the knot an incredible 68 years ago, as an ideal way to celebrate the romantic spirit of Valentines day.
He had more than 20 responses to his challenge to find the oldest married couple but the Bayliss family topped the bill for the main prize, a meal at the inn.
The Bayliss's, whom Mr Fernandez described as "a wonderful couple," relished their sumptuous luncheon, which also featured flowers and champagne.
Nominated for the meal by their daughter Heather Hollamby, who lives in Coleshill, Thomas Bayliss, 95, worked in the tyre industry for many years.
Mary Bayliss, 88, was a supportive mother to her two grown up children. The family have five grand children and 10 great grandchildren.
The Bayliss's, who live in Orchehill Court, Gerrards Cross, were impressed by the menu at the White Hart and they plumped for lamb shank and fried cod as their main course selections.
They believe that the spirit of romanticism is alive and well but they contend that there is no simple formula for a happy married life.
"It is all about give and take with most of the giving being done on the wife's side," said Mrs Bayliss. Her husband agreed.
Mr Bayliss said his philosophy had always been to enjoy day to day living and particularly family life. A raft of hobbies is also important, he said.
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