Champagne was served at Elstow Manor for the couple who met for the first time at a public dance in Birkenhead in February 1950.
Although Gower said Audrey initially turned him down for a date, when they saw each other three months later, she accepted – the rest is a wonderful history!
They were married in September 1954 in Wirral, Liverpool, and have three children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Together the couple toured across the UK in their caravan as well as enjoying more than 20 years of cruises together.
Audrey moved to Elstow Manor last year, whilst Gower lives just over the road at Wixam Retirement Village.
Audrey, who worked as a former secretary, once chaired the local British Legion women's section as well as serving as a Conservative Councillor (Castle Ward). Gower worked as a local government officer for most of his career.
The couple, who celebrated with friends and family, said the secret to their long and happy marriage is ‘respect for your partner, be in love with them and be tolerable to each other/ respecting each other’s differences.’
Elstow Manor Wellbeing & Lifestyle Coach Oliver Waddington said: “It is wonderful to be able to celebrate this special day with Audrey and Gower, who are a truly wonderful couple.
“We all wish Audrey and Gower the very best, it’s not every day we get to celebrate such a wonderful event.”
The couple were married in the year that the mass vaccination of children against polio began, following the discovery of the vaccine a year before. It was also the year that Queen Elizabeth became the first monarch to visit Australia, where she also travelled to New Zealand to open parliament.
