Bill and Jessica after 60 years of marriageLONDON, England (The Telegraph), October 31, 2007: When a picture of two toddlers holding hands in the 1920s was taken no one could guess that 80 years later the same pair would still be seen hand in hand. Next week Bill and Jessie Cocks, both 79, are celebrating 60 years of happy marriage.
With parents who were best friends and lived next door to each other, the young Bill and Jessie grew up in and out of each other's homes, and it seems they were destined to spend their lives together.
Mr Cocks said: "We were both the youngest in each family and spent all our time together. So it was a natural progression really. One thing led to another until we tied the knot."The couple were parted during the Second World War when Mr Cocks's family moved to Eastleigh, Hants, from their Kent home.
Young Bill and Jessie aged two
Mr Cocks said: "While I was in the Army we used to write to one another every single day." His wife added: "We did all our courting through letters because I was a nanny in Bristol. But then in 1947 we were engaged at Easter and married in November. We never did look for anyone else - neither of us has ever had any other boyfriend or girlfriend."
The couple soon settled in Bishopstoke, near Eastleigh, where they have lived ever since. They have four children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Mr Cocks, who spent 38 years as manager of the delivery office at Eastleigh Post Office, said: "I don't consider 60 years to be any great achievement really." His wife does not agree. "I do see it as an achievement. You make your vows when you get married and you stick to them," she said.
The couple have been invited to join others at a service at Winchester Cathedral on November 18 to mark the diamond wedding anniversary of the Queen and Prince Philip.
© Copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited 2007
