A devoted couple who have lived in Polstead all their lives have celebrated 60 years together.
Roy and Doreen Richardson were married at St Mary’s Church on March 16, 1963.
While there are six years between them, Mrs Richardson said that she and her husband “grew up together”, having known each other since childhood.
Mr Richardson’s parents owned White Hall farm in the village, and Mrs Richardson said her mother and father would sometimes work on the farm, helping to harvest the sugar beet.
“There weren’t many children in the village in those days, so we all knew each other,” Mrs Richardson, 78, explained.
“We met at school. I was rather keen on him!”
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The couple tied the knot when Mrs Richardson was 18, and he 24. In 1966, they welcomed their eldest child, Philip, with their daughter Karen arriving in 1968, completing the family of four.
They had been married for just five years when Mr Richardson’s father died suddenly. With a young family, the couple found themselves suddenly responsible for the running of the farm.
However, they rose to the occasion, and the farm flourished in their capable hands. They semi-retired some 20 years ago.
“Every couple has struggles and goes through hard times, like we did when Roy’s father died,” said Mrs Richardson.
“But a marriage takes tolerance and patience. As we get older, we value each other more and more – and we still laugh together!”
Mrs and Mrs Richardson celebrated their diamond anniversary with a dinner and a dance at the Stoke by Nayland Resort this weekend.
They were surrounded by their growing family, including their four grandchildren, Joshua, Elliott, Danny and Abi, and their partners. Also in attendance was 10-month-old Evelyn, the couple’s first great-grandchild.
“We’re grateful we were able to celebrate with a dance!” said Mrs Richardson.
Last month, a couple from Dedham Vale celebrated 72 years together - just in time for Valentine's day.
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