A COUPLE from Watchet have proved that opposites attract after celebrating 70 years of marriage. Gentle Bill (91) and fiery Dulcie (89) Joslin have been together since a chance meeting in 1941.

Munitions worker Dulcie had planned to take a bus from Watchet to Williton, where she was staying, but decided to walk because it was such a lovely evening.

Young soldier Bill asked her where the post office was and then insisted on accompanying her, saying it wasn’t safe to walk alone.

Sceptical Dulcie agreed only if he walked behind her but they got talking and had arranged their first date before their journey came to an end.

They married two years later and had six children, four of whom were born in their current Watchet home where they have lived for 65 years.

Dulcie said: “He’s such a gentle, kind man – he has always been that way. I am the opposite – I can be quite fiery. I think opposites get on quite well providing you both end up agreeing.

“I don’t think you can avoid arguing at some point if you care about each other’s health and so on. But you have to discuss it and then get on with things.

“We have got through difficult times together, including health problems, but he has always been there for me whatever and now our family are the same and help out too.”

The couple also have nine grandchildren and 15 greatgrandchildren and were joined by 109 members of family and friends at a party at Raleghs Cross to mark their platinum anniversary.