TWO former publicans plan on raising a glass or two to celebrate 50 years of marriage.

Bob and Terry Pressley, of Tamar Drive, Oakley, will mark their golden wedding anniversary with a party with friends and family at Oakridge West Social Club on Saturday.

Terry, 68, met Bob, 75, when they were both living in London, and she said it was love at first sight.

She said: “I went to see my friend one day and Bob was there. He took me out and that was it.”

The couple were married in St Margaret’s Church, in Blackheath, south London, in 1963, and five years later moved to Basingstoke, where they were the first people to run The Popinjay pub, in Abbey Road, Popley.

After three years in charge, the couple took over The Great Western Hotel, in Vyne Road, South View, and remained there for the next 15 years.

Bob also helped to run the Royal Naval Association Club, in New Road, before working in security.

Terry became a florist, and still works at Flower Girl, in Worting Road, Buckskin.

The couple have two daughters, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all living in the Basingstoke area.

But what is the secret to such a long and successful marriage?

Terry said: “We just get on. We do not argue much at all and never go to bed on an argument.”