A FORDINGBRIDGE couple have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary and say they have had a “wonderful” married life.

Dennis and Margaret Bailey, who live in Sandleheath, wed on July 23, 1955.

Mr Bailey said: “It is wonderful to celebrate it. It doesn’t seem as long as that. We have had a wonderful married life. We have had our problems and illnesses and different things but we are really enjoying our married life.”

The couple, both 82, met at Sandleheath Methodist Church when Mr Bailey came over from Cripplestyle for an evening choir performance. They were 16 at the time. Years later they married in the same church.

When asked what has been the key to their long-lasting relationship, Mr Baily added: “Being interested in what each other are doing. She has gone along with some of my mad and silly ideas and I have gone along with hers. We have been interested in what each other have done all the way through and have shared and enjoyed what we have been doing.”

The couple have two children, Alistair and Nicola, and have three grandchildren.

In the 90s Mr Bailey was a regular presenter on BBC Radio 2 Pause for Thought programme and went on to do Thought for the Day broadcasts for Radio Solent. He has published a book Nugget in a Nutshell - a collection of his broadcast talks. Mrs Bailey was a teacher at St Edmund’s in Salisbury before moving to Fordingbridge Junior School, also published a book, My Ancestors were Moulders of Clay, about her family brick yard in Sandleheath. Mr Bailey, who is now president of Fordingbridge Twinning Association, a group which he founded, had some words of advice for other couples.

He said: “Every marriage you have to work at and if you have a disagreement, make up as soon as you can, and try to see the other person’s point of view. That is what we have done and sailed through it.

“We have had a lot of happiness and still have a lot of happiness. We can’t walk as well and have to help each other along but we still enjoy life and keep smiling.”

Mr and Mrs Bailey say the church is still a big part of their life and has played a pivotal role in their marriage. They still attend the church where the were married, which has since joined with St Aldhelm’s Church to become Sandleheath Uniting Church.

Mr Bailey, who is also a methodist preacher, added: “The support we have had from the church all the way through has been wonderful.”

The couple were joined by family and friends to celebrate the milestone at their home. They also received a special card from the Queen congratulating them on their big day.