Couple have secret to happy marriage

Born in Plymouth in 1935, Derek Anthony Ridolfo, known as Tony, was six months old when his family moved to Torquay. Margaret was born in Paignton in 1938, the oldest girl of nine children.

The couple met at a dance and had much in common - sport, walking and music, especially weekly dancing to big band music.

The couple were married in Newton Abbot on July 28, 1956, have three children Carol, David and Jenny and six grandchildren.

Moving to Daventry in 1969 was a major change for the family, but they faced all the changes together and soon made some good friends.

Margaret continues her long association with Daventry Choral Society; they are members of the Indoor Bowls Club, U3A, the Methodist Church and enjoy travelling.

Their formula for a long and happy marriage is friendship, mutual respect for each other, always settle any differences before going to sleep.

They agreed: “Don’t forget to say “I love you”.”