AYRES and graces were far from servant Maudie Coots' mind when she opened the door to the delivery boy.

But Mr Maurice Ayres offered her bacon, milk and, eventually, his hand in marriage after a four-year courtship.

Last week, the couple, of Highwood Avenue, Bushey, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

They met in Chenies where Mrs Ayres was working in service for Lord and Lady Charles.

Mr Ayres worked as a butcher and a milkman and often came to the house to deliver.

Mr and Mrs Ayres were married in St John's Baptist Church in Aldenham on June 5, 1937, just before Mrs Ayres' 21st birthday.

Mrs Ayres remembers the simplicity of the event with affection. Her mother made the single tier wedding cake and the couple spent one night at her uncle's house by way of a honeymoon.

She said: "I wore a plain white taffeta dress with a veil and carried a bouquet of peach roses and lilies of the valley."

The wedding reception was held at Delrow Farm in Hilfield Lane, Aldenham, where Mrs Ayres worked as a girl. It was attended by the couple's families and a few of the farm workers.

The couple settled in Buckinghamshire for a year before returning to Aldenham.

Mrs Ayres worked as a cook and supervisor at Fair Field School in Watford Road, Radlett, for more than 29 years. Her husband worked as a lorry driver and then as a postman until his retirement.

Mrs Ayres enjoyed amateur dramatics with the Women's Institute and has played many roles, including the nurse in Romeo and Juliet.

The couple have two daughters Marlene and Janet, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

They had a modest gathering to celebrate the day. Mrs Ayres said: "We are waiting for our 70th wedding anniversary to throw a big party."

June 10, 2002 17:30