Communication is key to a healthy relationship

Marge was on holiday in Durban, and feeding pigeons on the pavement , when she met Colin, who also happened to be on holiday.

From that moment, the two have been inseparable.

“At the time, Colin lived in Benoni and I lived in Pretoria, so he would travel by train, because that is what he preferred, to visit me,” said Marge.

“I would also travel to Benoni to see him and meet his family”.

The two decided to seal their bond by getting married on February 23, 1952.

“On our wedding day a song played in the background and, by the time it began, I was already in front,” Marge recalled cheerfully.

After they had wed, they bought a house in Benoni’s Western Extension, where they have lived for past 60 years.

The Fletchers raised three sons: Leonard (61), Mike (60) and John (58), and have been blessed with seven grandchildren.

In the first few years after they were married, Marge stayed at home to raise their young children, but she later worked as a sales clerk for 26 years.

Colin owned an office stationery business for many years, which later closed down.

The couple said talking through the tough issues and fights is the secret to a strong relationship.

“We have had our ups and downs, like all people, but if you are angry with your partner, do not wait until the night to solve the issues,” they said.

“Talk them out there and then and say sorry.”

Colin described their 63 years of marriage as ”tolerable”.

“You have to take the rough with the smooth, but our children and grandchildren have always provided us with joy,” he said.

“What I love about Colin is that he is very tolerant, he puts up with me and he is easy to live with,” said Marge.

Colin enjoys Marge’s good cooking, especially her roast beef, which she loves cooking for Sunday lunch.