ON the eve of Valentine’s Day, a couple in a Harefield care home reflected on their 61 years of marriage and shared their secrets for a happy union.

Gillian Martin, 87, a resident at HC-One’s home, and husband Derek, also 87, have fond memories of how they first met and fell in love.

Gillian is originally from Edenbridge in Kent and worked as an accountant, while Derek was an engineer in the auto industry.

They first met on in September 1960 at a dance at the Hammersmith Palace.

Derek remembers initially spotting Gillian at the start of the evening but soon lost her in the crowd. Sometime later, he was able to find her and ask her to dance.

Gillian had already turned down two offers to dance that night, but she happily accepted Derek’s offer.

He bought her a drink and offered to drive her home. By coincidence, it turned out they both lived in Shepherd’s Bush, only five roads from each other.

Now, Derek regularly visits Gillian at the home and plays an active role in its activities. They enjoy watching the entertainers who visit the home, as well as taking trips to the park, Rickmansworth Aquadrome and even a daytime disco at the Compass Theatre in Ickenham.

And the secret to a happy marriage? Derek Martin says it’s down to compatibility.

“Gillian and I have the same interests, including theatre, music and dancing. We’ve been married for 61 years, so it's obviously worked!"