There’s something undeniably special about NAAFI. It’s more than just a place to grab a cuppa or pick up essentials – it’s a social hub for the Armed Forces community, a place where friendships blossom and sparks fly. And what better testament to that magic than the countless love stories that begin within our walls?

Ahead of Valentine’s Day this year, we reached out to our amazing @naafisocial followers, asking you to share your unique ‘We Met in the NAAFI’ stories. The response we received was truly heartwarming!

Hundreds of you sent in your personal stories and cherished photographs, filling our inboxes with tales of love and laughter.  From lively battery functions and bustling retail stores to late-night discos and cozy camps, countless love-at-first-sight moments have unfolded with NAAFI.

We’ve handpicked a few of our favourite entries to share below, but this is just a glimpse of the incredible stories we received. We’d still love to hear yours! If you have a ‘We Met in the NAAFI’ story that holds a special place in your heart, send it along with any photographs you’d like to share to pr@naafi.co.uk.

Let’s celebrate the love and connections that thrive within the NAAFI family. After all, sometimes, all it takes is a cuppa and a friendly face to spark something extraordinary.

GDPR is important to us, please note that your involvement in this campaign is at your own consent, and you can withdraw at any time by contacting us.

John Erskine (pictured with his wife Paddy above) at The Bridge Deck in Whiteley

I was serving at HMS Sea Eagle in Londonderry as a Control Electrical Mechanic in May 1969 when I met Leading WRN writer Paddy Balsdon, who had just joined Sea Eagle. We got married in Swansea on 17^th January 1970 and celebrated our 55^th wedding anniversary in 2025.

Derrick McKay

I married a NAAFI Girl in 1962 and we’re both still breathing! I was stationed at RAF Middleton St George (now Teeside Airport) as a Corporal when I met Joyce.

Dolly Winterbottom

I always laugh with my hubby and say our song is ‘Don’t You Want Me Baby’ and change the words to ‘I was working as a barmaid in the NAAFI Bar when I met you’. That was in Dempsey BKS Sennelager in 1996 and we’re celebrating 25 years of marriage this year! We held our reception at Pegasus Club, RAF Lyneham in 2010.

Gaynor Tyler

First saw my now husband of 38 years playing darts with other chefs at the NAAFI bar in HMS Collingwood in 1982. We got married in 1986 and the rest is history.

Sandra Sedman

We did back in 1986 at the RAF Coningsby disco. Six weeks later, he took me out and asked me to marry him. 36 years later and we’re still happily married.

Judith Lea

I met my husband when we both worked at Buschof NAAFI JHQ in 1988. We married in 1993 and one of our sons is now working for NAAFI in Germany.

Tom Harkness

Whilst serving in The Irish Guards posted to Chelsea Barracks in 1980, I met a young NAAFI girl working in the shop. 44 years later, we are still together and as much in love now as we were then.

Mick Russ

One day in early 1974, I saw a newly arrived WRAF entering the NAAFI and I was immediately struck by how lovely she was. I kept on seeing her at the dances and finally plucked up the courage to ask her out. She agreed (result!) and we saw each other regularly. Finally, I proposed to her and couldn’t believe she said yes! We married in August 1975 and celebrate our golden wedding anniversary this year. We have two children and two grandchildren, and my beautiful wife is the best thing I have ever got from the NAAFI (not sure she would say the same about me!)