A Newent couple who met through work in the early 1960s have celebrated 60 years of marriage.

Roger and Margaret Young marked their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on Thursday, September 4, and received a congratulatory card from the King to mark the milestone.

The pair first met while working for Post Office Telephones, now BT, and became friends before getting engaged in December 1963. They married two years later, beginning a life together filled with family, hard work and adventure.

After marrying, Roger’s career with BT led them to Taunton, Gloucester, Bristol and Reading, while Margaret also forged her own path in administration, insurance and finance. Alongside their professional lives, they raised a son and a daughter, with Margaret often balancing part-time work to support the family.

In retirement, the couple set their sights on travel and moved to Daffodil Court in Newent, which gave them the freedom to explore the world. Over the years, they have completed an astonishing 46 ocean cruises, 15 river cruises and tours across Canada, the USA, New Zealand and Europe.

Closer to home, both Roger and Margaret have been active in the community at Daffodil Court, helping to organise outings, events and buffets for fellow residents.

To mark their anniversary, the couple hosted a special celebration tea at Daffodil Court on Friday, September 5. Margaret prepared a home-made buffet for neighbours and friends, with a wide spread of food and non-alcoholic drinks provided for guests. The event was well attended, with residents gathering to raise a toast to the pair’s remarkable milestone.

Roger said they both look back with gratitude: “We still find it hard to believe that we have achieved so much that had seemed impossible when we first married. We frequently reflect on what an amazing life we have been fortunate to have.