Louise Goodridge met the love of her life at Butlin's after a friendship trip ended in a blazing row. The now 59-year-old went to the Minehead holiday camp with a friend, but an argument over a loaf of bread left her stranded and alone.
Louise, a single parent, had booked the break through Gingerbread, an organisation that organises activities for single parents. When her friend drove off in a huff, Louise found herself without a way back to her home in Watford.
A Lift and a Cup of Tea
Gary, who lived just ten miles away in Amersham, volunteered to drive her back. He then invited her out for a cup of tea and a piece of cake. "We've not been separated since that day," Louise said.
Louise admitted she wasn't initially drawn to Gary's looks. "I can't say I really liked the look of him, but I liked his personality! I'm an honest person. He was funny, and we had a lot in common, so we had lots to talk about," she explained.
From First Date to Marriage
Their first date was spent talking all night and singing through the Simon and Garfunkel catalogue. Within weeks, they were living together. They married on the first anniversary of meeting, 24 October 1992, and have now been together for 34 years.
Not everyone was initially supportive. Louise's mother and grandparents were not fond of Gary, partly due to the 10-year age gap. "My mum wasn't a huge fan of Gary. He was 10 years older. I was only 25 then," Louise said.
Gary's recollection is simpler: "Oh, she looks alright. She looked slightly rattled on the day and I then invited her out for a cup of tea and a piece of cake. And that was it."
Louise chose Butlin's because it was affordable. "It was cheap, and as a single parent on benefits, there's no way I could have afforded to go on a big holiday. It was a no brainer really," she said.
