Braziers Field couple reflect on 70 years of marriage

A couple living in Hertford are celebrating Valentine’s Day on the back of their 70th wedding anniversary in 2024 at Braziers Field housing location.

David, 91, and Irene, 94, Shaw met back when they were both just 17 and 19 years of age working at a Building Society.

Irene admitted it wasn’t love at first sight, but they liked each other and were very lucky to meet and marry the right person.

She joked that Dave married her for money, as she had a whole £12 in her bank account at the time!  

Irene remembers Dave had a motorbike in the early days, which although she hated, was their only way of getting around. She has never forgotten the time they travelled to Southend-on-Sea together on the bike and Dave got lost. 

They married on 14 August 1954 in London, where they lived most of their early life together.  They have three children, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Their lives have centred around their family, and Dave and Irene have taken great delight in helping out with the grandchildren.

Dave reckons the secret to a happy marriage is knowing when to say, ‘yes dear’!

To celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary in August last year, a surprise party was organised by residents at Braziers Field, where the couple has lived since 2018.

Those who attended were encouraged to ‘dress for a wedding’, and residents got into the swing of things with the men wearing suits and bow ties, and the ladies wearing party dresses with fascinators or hats.

The garden was decorated with a wedding arch entwined with flowers, and residents made flower buttonholes for everyone. The happy couple were showered in confetti as they arrived at the party.

Belinda Sheridan, Location Manager at Braziers Field, said:

I have been the Location Manager at Braziers Field for three years and can honestly say that David and Irene are an amazing couple. They go everywhere together and always seem so happy and cheerful.

They are a delight to be around and are always eager to attend any social events at Braziers Field. They have made many friends in the seven years they have lived here.

For more information on Braziers Field housing location, please click here.