Eddie Bradley was so intent on going out with Marie Kane that he would turn the picture around of her boyfriend on the desk so she could not see him.
All the kids, from left: Robert and Fiona Bradley, Sharon Wright, Kimber-ley Proudlock, James and Julie Bradley. In front Marie and Eddie Bradley. Photo: Supplied
He was 17 and she 18 when he first spotted her working in administration at a hospital in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She had recently moved back after living in England for several years and he was doing some painting work.
Two years later on January 1, 1955, the couple – both born in Belfast – married in the city at the Clifton Street Presbyterian Church.
Eddie maintains the game changer in their relationship came when he took her up the Shankill Road – the centre of loyalist activity during the Troubles that lasted from the late 1960s to 1998 – but then lined with shops and cafes.
Eddie proposed to her in a snow-covered setting but did not get down on one knee as his suit would have got wet.
Eddie and Marie Bradley married on January 1, 1955 at the Clifton Street Presbyterian Church in Belfast, North Ireland.
Their wedding happened on the smell of an oily rag – they borrowed the car for nothing from the undertakers who also provided the floral arrangements.
It cost them only £11 as Marie’s boss put on all the food, but no alcohol.
Both their uncles – except for Marie’s Uncle John – decided not to go, heading for the pub instead.
The first three of their six children – Robert, Fiona and Sharon – were born in Belfast but Eddie’s sister had moved to Cambridge in New Zealand and told them they should come out too.
Eddie and Marie Bradley
It took them six weeks to get here on the cruise ship and they went straight to Cambridge to a cottage across the road from Eddie’s sister in Carter’s Flat.
“We arrived on the Wednesday, and I started work on the Thursday,” said Eddie who said they only had £26 to live on. Such was their generosity; they gave half of that away to someone who had no money.
He worked for Harry Shields the painter before eventually going out on his own as a painter/decorator working mainly at Resthaven and St Peter’s School.
Marie had three more children – Kimberley, James and Julie and then worked in Woolworths, Hamilton before setting up the canteen at Cambridge High School.
The Thornton Rd house they lived in became too big for them last year and they moved into an apartment at Cambridge Resthaven.
Eddie jokes he knows the place well; he painted each of the apartments every time they were vacated.
They have a view of the Water Tower – which they love and want to see protected – and the family put in sliding doors so the couple can sit out in the sun watching the bird life and passing traffic.
In addition to the six children, they have 18 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild “but in Australia,” Eddie says wistfully about the new addition.
Eddie and Marie Bradley with family gathered to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary. Photo: Supplied.
It has been a month of parties – Eddie turned 90, they had their wedding anniversary and yesterday (January 8) Marie turned 91.
Over 60 family members flew in to raise a glass or three in that way only the Irish seem able to do. There is an upcoming wedding in Queensland, Australia – granddaughter Loren Bradley, twin to former Cambridge international golfer Sarah – is getting married.
Eddie and Marie hope to attend, it will take a mammoth family effort to get them there, but daughter Fiona is hopeful.
Asked what the secret is to such a long marriage, Marie, with a smile in those Irish eyes said nobody else came along “but there’s still time.”
Eddie who poached her once before says she has looked after him for 70 years and confidently says she is not about to stop now.
Eddie and Marie Bradley, still laughing together after 70 years. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Eddie and Marie Bradley
Seventy years together: Eddie and Marie Bradley celebrated their 70th anniversary on New Year’s Day. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
