Eastbourne couple celebrate 50 years of marriage at four star Hydro Hotel

Bob and Glen Marsh photo by Paul Weller photography

Happy pair Bob and Glen Marsh met when Bob was on holiday on the Isle of Man. Having just divorced his first wife and on a family holiday with the children, Glen, the woman with whom he’d spend the rest of his life, was the last person he expected to meet.

He said, “Oh you’d never believe it. I was on holiday with my two boys. I put them to sleep and went for a walk along the promenade, and this lady smiled at me.

“I asked her if she’d like some company, so we started talking and that was it.

“We pretty much just smiled at each other!”

Though it seemed like love at first sight, the couple lived apart from the day they met to the day they eventually married, on Valentines Day 1970.

Until then, Glen stayed on the Isle of Man with her three children and Bob lived, worked and continued to care for his two boys in Enfield.

The couple made their home together and, when Bob retired, eventually moved to Eastbourne. In May, they will have lived here for 19 years.

Alongside the couple’s children, family and friends, last weekend’s party was also attended by members of the Eastbourne Masonic Lodge, of which Bob is a member, and the Eastbourne badminton club.

Arriving at 5.45pm guests enjoyed a five course meal at the hotel, accompanied by a live performance by Jack Foley, a successful tenor who has performed at Prince Charles’ birthday last year.

Glen also received a special treat when Bob, aware of his wife’s love for Liverpool FC, wrote to the club and told them about her support.

By the time the party came around, she had an official club postcard signed by top player (and Glen’s favourite) Mo Salah.

To Bob, there is no secret ingredient to a marriage as long and healthy as the one he has shared with Glen - it is all about co-operating with your partner.

He said “I think we both respect one another and give each other enough space.

“In 50 years, we have never, ever argued about money. It’s never been ‘mine’ or ‘hers’, it’s always been ‘ours.”