It was the year that saw the launch of the radio soap opera The Archers and the introduction of the Kenwood Chef food mixer into kitchens. 

But for Norwich couple, Edward and Molly Grout, 1950 was also the year they tied the knot. 

And while the great-grandparents may be celebrating an impressive 73 years of marriage – a landmark also achieved by the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip – for them, it feels as if it happened just yesterday.

Eastern Daily Press: Eddie and Molly Grout have celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary - Picture: Sonya DuncanEddie and Molly Grout have celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary - Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

On the morning of March 18, the childhood sweethearts were getting ready to say their vows. 

With their nearest and dearest, they came together at the now-ruined St Mary’s Church, also known as St Theobald's, in Great Hautbois near Coltishall

Joined by Molly’s bridesmaids, childhood friend Betty and work friend Jill, and Eddie’s best man, older brother Noel, they were married by Victoria Cross recipient the Rev William Addison. 

Mrs Grout, nee Daniels, 95, of Parkland Crescent, said: “I was dressed all in white, and we both felt very happy and proud that day. 

“After the wedding, we had a party at Coltishall Village Hall and enjoyed a sherry or two, before hiring a car to go on our honeymoon to Essex.”

Eastern Daily Press: Eddie and Molly Grout have celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary. Pictured on their wedding day in 1950 - Picture: Sonya DuncanEddie and Molly Grout have celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary. Pictured on their wedding day in 1950 - Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

Their lifelong love affair began when Mr Grout’s family moved just a few doors away from the Daniels family. He was the youngest son of 11 children, worlds apart from his wife who was an only child. 

Despite this, the pair say it is their compatibility that has kept a solid bond between them. 

“When he moved to the village, we ended up going to school together,” Mrs Grout added.

“He was 10 and I’d catch him winking at me. 

“Ever since then, we've just got along so well and always have done.  

“We never drifted apart, and we’ve always kept together. We are best friends.”

Eastern Daily Press: Eddie and Molly Grout have celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary. Pictured on their wedding day in 1950 - Picture: Sonya DuncanEddie and Molly Grout have celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary. Pictured on their wedding day in 1950 - Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Grout, 96, said: “We are two of a kind, I suppose. 

“We have always shared everything, it’s 50/50, and we rarely disagree with each other. We are like two peas in a pod.” 

Prior to their wedding, Mr Grout was conscripted to the Royal Auxiliary as a tank driver. He served in Palestine between 1946 and 1948. 

During this time, Mrs Grout said she “missed him terribly” and would get plenty of letters from him. He had promised her he would propose on his return home.

Eastern Daily Press: Eddie and Molly Grout have celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary. Pictured is their card from King Charles - Picture: Sonya DuncanEddie and Molly Grout have celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary. Pictured is their card from King Charles - Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

After the wedding, they spent a short time living in Coltishall before moving to a little cottage in Hainford and then to Norwich in 1955, before settling at the home they live in now in 1997. 

Mrs Grout worked as a typist for Jarrold while Mr Grout was a plumber with Broadland City Council for 35 years where he oversaw maintenance across the area. He retired aged 60. 

The couple said they have had “a good life together” and have come through adversities stronger. 

They have three children but lost their two-year-old daughter, Pearl, after she was hit by a van outside their home and died in 1959. 

Pearl was the second born in 1957, coming after Michael (b.1954) and before Melanie (b.1961). 

Eastern Daily Press: Eddie and Molly Grout have celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary - Picture: Sonya DuncanEddie and Molly Grout have celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary - Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

Outside of work, the family enjoyed many holidays across the UK in a towing caravan, including to favourite locations such as Cornwall and Devon. They also cited Italy as one of their most memorable holidays abroad. 

Mr Grout enjoys gardening and planting vegetables, and Mrs Grout plays the organ and likes knitting, cross-stitching, and tapestry. 

The couple have four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. The eldest great-grandchild is aged 21 and is in the Royal Navy while the youngest is aged just three. 

Eastern Daily Press: Eddie and Molly Grout have celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary - Picture: Sonya DuncanEddie and Molly Grout have celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary - Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)