Ernie’s grandmother was the first person to teach him about
love through her selflessness. During the war, she would always give her food rations to her family members before helping herself. He remembers her as a beautiful and kind woman that exuded love and taught him the importance of respect – a lesson that would stay with him is whole life.
Ernie was 21 and recently demobbed from the Army when he first laid eyes on Rita at Streatham Ice Rink. He was immediately drawn to her and her flame-coloured hair, so he went and bought a pair of ice skates to have the chance to chase after her on the rink. She eventually noticed him in his pursuit, and the two hit if off right away. From then on, Ernie and Rita did everything together.
Despite the initial reservations of their parents, the pair were determined to be together no matter what, and they wed in 1960. After ha
ving been married for 56 years, Ernie and Rita still live in their rented home where Rita was brought up. Although they have not amassed much wealth over their years, Ernie feels incredibly grateful to have found a love that many will not see in their lifetimes. When asked if he would consider exchanging his love for £10,000,000, he chose his love because he does not see a point in having such riches if he did not have Rita to share it with.