A COUPLE from Shewton will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary today after meeting in February 1951 at Timothy White’s Department Store in Barnstaple.

Alf Warne’s opening line to his wifeto- be Margaret was: “Hello, blondie.”

Margaret remembered him when they later met at Barnstaple Methodist Church, where Alf was in attendance waiting Margaret’s table.

Their granddaughter Laura Ashworth said: “It took Alf handing Margaret six separate teaspoons until he had plucked up enough courage to ask her if he could walk her to the bus stop, which she allowed.”

Soon after they began dating, Alf was posted to Germany. Between then and getting married in 1954, the couple would only see each other once every four months – but Alf moved back to England in July 1954 and eventually secured a civilian job at Boscombe Down.

Laura said: “Since living in Shrewton Alf and Margaret have always been involved in various village clubs and churches. Margaret has also been part of the Shrewton WI since 1962, holding the role of president twice and was also a member of the Mothers’ Union for seven years.

“More recently, they have both been involved with the day centre for the past five years and Link for around 15.”

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The couple had two children, Susan and David, and six grandchildren Catherine, Rhiannah, Laura, Harriett, Lucinda and Henry. Sadly their daughter died in 1988 from cancer.

Laura said: “Alf and Margaret have said at this time and since, living in the village offered them great friendship and tremendous support, which they do not believe they would have found anywhere else.

“All they try to do now is to give back what they feel they have been given by the village during good times and bad.

“Although Shrewton and the community have played a key role in Alf and Margaret’s marriage, it is no doubt that the real hard work has been put in by Alf and Margaret themselves as 60 years of marriage is no mean feat.”

Asked what the secret is of a happy marriage the couple offer the following advice: Never go to bed on an argument, always make an effort for one another and be each other’s best friend.