When Norma pinched David’s bottom and asked him to dance at the University of Salford disco in 1972, neither of them could have known it would lead to a 52-year relationship that has stood the test of time, taking them from Salford to Sydney, Australia. Norma shared their story with us.

Tell us about how you met

It was May 1972 and there was a university disco on. As it was my 19th birthday I went along with my flatmates and David had gone to the disco with his friend. I was in first year studying Geography and Economics and David was in his second year studying Electronics. At one point while everyone was dancing, I approached David. I liked the look of him with his purple flares, long hair and gentle face so I pinched his bottom and asked him to dance. We danced together for a long time. When the disco ended, he drove me home in his yellow mini to my shared house in Francis Street, Eccles, and thus began a 52-year relationship that has stood the test of time.

Tell us about your life together after university

After university, David moved to London to work for Marconi Space and Defence, while I continued to study a postgraduate diploma at what was Trent Polytechnic. I then moved to London to be with David and started working as a town planner. In 1982, we were married and living in Muswell Hill when we decided to take a year out of our lives to backpack around the world. In 1986, we spent six months travelling around India, Nepal and south-east Asia, including China and Japan, before flying to Indonesia and then Australia. Australia turned out to be a better prospect for living than we had expected and we decided to give it a go for five years after returning to the UK.

On arriving home, we found we were expecting our first child, James, who was born December 1987. In 1989, the little family of three flew to the other side of the world to start a new adventure for five years in Sydney. In 1994, our second child was born, Kirsten, and five years became 35 years. We are still living happy lives together in Sydney and are now retired after successful careers in computer programming and town planning.

What is your advice for those looking for romance on campus?

Our advice would be to look for friendship first, as that is always a good basis for a relationship. Don’t be afraid to try different experiences, join different clubs and meet as wide a selection of people as you can. It can all add to the fun of university.

Thank you to Norma for sharing your love story with David with us!

‘How We Met’ celebrates the lifelong connections you made at Salford — whether that’s friendships, romance, or mentors who made a real difference.

Are you a student? Learn how to make connections and friends at uni on our Made in Salford blog. 

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