A ROMANCE that started in the administrative headquarters of the Royal Australian Navy in Melbourne has sailed on through seven decades.
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Harold, 94, and Lesley Wilkes, 91, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary at Howlong yesterday.
Mrs Wilkes worked in the navy office at the Victoria Barracks, while Mr Wilkes was an able seaman who served overseas during World War II.
The pair crossed paths several times at the headquarters before Mr Wilkes plucked up the courage to ask her on a date.
“I still remember her blue dress and pink scarf,” Mr Wilkes said of the first time he laid eyes on her.
The World War II veteran admitted there were many sailors who swept a lot of ladies off their feet, but reckons he only had eyes for one.
“First choice is best choice,” Mr Wilkes said.
The pair dated for several years before they were married at St John’s Presbyterian Church in Essendon on November 17, 1944.
They later had two children and now have six grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
The Wilkes retired to Howlong about 30 years ago where their two children also live.
Mrs Wilkes’ secret to a long and successful marriage was that she always let him have his own say in everything.
