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81yr olds tie the knot at last
Michael Fitter and Mary Oaten met in London in the last years of the war. Both their fathers were in business in the city and the couple went to the same Anglican church in the Hayes Bromley area of south London, where they were confirmed at the same time.
Michael even popped the question back then, but he said that at that time "it wasn't to be".
Michael, of Avon Road, Keynsham, said: "I used to meet her on her way home from school. I'd wait for her at the crossways and we'd cycle home together. And we would go to the church youth club together."
The friends stayed in touch mainly by Christmas cards over the years, after both married other people.
Their love blossomed and the couple married on Saturday, July 7 at St Dunstan's RC Church, in Bristol Road, Keynsham, before a reception for 50 friends and family at the Old Manor House.
Michael said: "I popped the question quite early on. Then in due course, with a little guidance from the Lord, Mary could see that this was the right thing to do.
"I love her very much. We are totally suited. I asked her to marry me 65 years ago, but that wasn't to be.
"I've always carried a little flame in my heart for her. When we both became single, I quickly realised that this is the person for me.
"We have so much in common – the same spiritual values, the same business outlook. We laugh and joke and are both on the same lines."
Michael's former wife, Margaret, died in February 2008 at the age of 79, and Mary's husband, John, died four months later at the age of 87.
Between them, Michael and Mary, who has a house in Stow-on-the-Wold, have five children and seven grandchildren, who live all over the world.
Before he retired, Michael was a junior school teacher at schools across Bristol, and Mary was a farmer's wife in Surrey.
Mary will be wearing a beautiful dress at her wedding, the details of which are a secret until the big day. The colour scheme, flowers, and bridemaids' dresses are also being kept a secret until the noon wedding service.
Michael's grandchildren Kate Mawditt, 24, and Hannah Mawditt, 21, will be bridesmaids.
His son Christopher, 53, a doctor in Philadelphia, is unable to attend the wedding as his wife has just given birth to twin boys.
Mary's three children, Susie, Jenny and Fifi will be at the wedding.
After the wedding, Mary plans to live with her new husband in Keynsham, but will keep her Gloucestershire home. The couple will keep busy looking after their large garden and Michael will continue writing local history books.