A day to remember for Laurence and Christine

ENGLAND’S 1966 World Cup triumph was a day never to forget for one couple — who celebrated on the bank of the River Severn and were engaged the same day.

Laurence and Christine Rockett were listening on the car radio while queuing for the ferry across to Wales when the vital goals were scored in extra-time at Wembley.

Christine (71) said: “When those last few important minutes were being played we were parked up waiting for the tide and winds to fall so we could get the ferry.

“There was a big cheer went up when they lifted the cup. Everyone got out of their cars and were on the riverbank together shouting and celebrating.

“On that day, even if you weren’t into football in a big way, you still took an interest in the World Cup final.

“Even though the reception on the radio wasn’t good, the elation we and the other passengers experienced while waiting for that ferry is something I will never forget.”

The couple were heading back from their first holiday together in Torquay and were planning to visit Christine’s parents in north Wales on July 30, 1966.

She said: “The Severn Bridge wasn’t built then, so it was quite a trip to get around when you came up from south-west England into Wales.

“We chose to go on the ferry. It was very windy that afternoon and we were stood in the queue waiting until the tide and the wind dropped.”

Laurence (75) proposed at a country pub about three hours later as they drove through Wales. The couple married on New Year’s Eve at Talbot Lane Methodist Church.

Christine “It wasn’t bad at all to say it was New Year’s Eve. We had a really lovely day and we’ve had a great marriage.

“But I always said it was the biggest mistake we made, marrying on New Year’s Eve, because it means it costs an arm and a leg to go out and do anything on our anniversary!”

Laurence and Christine have two sons, David and Darren, and two grandchildren, Ewan (7) and Chloe-Megan (3).

The couple, of Belvedere Parade in Bramley, spent the 50th anniversary of the final at the wedding of her niece, Gemma Buxton.

And they will mark their own golden day in Madeira after a family celebration at the Phoenix in Brinsworth on December 29.

Christine said: “If anyone mentions the World Cup to me now, we always think back to that day. It was a very special time in our lives.”

Caption 2 = On holiday in Torquay

3 = The car in which they listened to the 1966 final