A remarkable milestone awaits Somerset couple Derek and Brenda Dodge, who will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on March 12, 2025. Having spent their entire lives in Somerset, the couple is looking forward to marking their platinum anniversary with their loved ones.
A Love Story That Began in Somerset
Both born and raised in Baltonsborough, near Glastonbury, Derek and Brenda have been inseparable since their teenage years. Although they knew each other in school, their love story truly began at their local youth club.
Derek recalls a memorable moment when he stormed out of a local amateur dramatic society production due to his dyslexia making it difficult to remember lines.
“I had a big row with the director, threw a book at him, and stormed out. Brenda followed me, calmed me down, and offered to walk me home. I had always liked her, but at that moment, I knew she must like me too.”
From that day forward, their bond only grew stronger, leading to marriage on Derek’s 21st birthday, March 12, 1955.
A Life Built Together
Derek, a keen bowls player, started his career as an apprentice bricklayer with a building company in Glastonbury. Brenda worked as a telephonist at Clarks shoe manufacturers in Street. Over the years, they built not only a life together but also many houses in the area, running their own building company.
Since retirement, Derek and Brenda have settled in Somerton, where they continue to enjoy good health and an active social life.
The Secret to 70 Years of Marriage
Reaching seven decades of marriage is an incredible achievement, and when asked about their secret to a long and happy life together, Derek shared:
“Respect and love for one another—you have to respect each other, that is the main thing, and be truthful. We’ve had our ups and downs, of course, but we got through them. We didn’t always have a lot of money, but we were happy.”
Brenda, who is a year older than Derek, jokes:
“Derek is my toy boy—I married a younger man!”
Celebrating 70 Wonderful Years
The couple plans to celebrate their milestone anniversary in a simple yet meaningful way.
“It won’t be a big party or anything like that,” says Brenda. “We will just have some cake and a little drink with friends and family.”
Derek and Brenda have one son, Neal, and tragically lost their daughter, Julie, to cancer at age 45. Despite this loss, they cherish the time spent with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will be joining them for their special day on March 12.
Reflecting on their journey, Derek shared:
“We have had a wonderful life. This is a great community, and we are very happy here. We are very lucky.”
As Derek and Brenda Dodge prepare to celebrate 70 years of love, commitment, and shared memories, their story is a testament to the power of respect, love, and resilience. Their journey together, from childhood in Baltonsborough to building a life in Somerton, serves as an inspiration to many.
Their platinum anniversary is not just a celebration of time but a celebration of love that has stood the test of time—a truly rare and heartwarming achievement.
| Visit for More News and Updates | WSOA NEWS |
