Diamond wedding celebration for Lovedean couple who lived in Singapore and Saudi Arabia

Rosemary and Dave Johnson will mark their diamond anniversary today along with their family.

The couple have happily raised a family together while living in places across the globe.

Portsmouth-born Rosemary, 78, said that it was ‘amazing’ to reach her diamond anniversary with Dave, 81, and that the years ‘have gone so fast’.

She added: ‘We just get on I suppose.’

The couple met when Rosemary, working at Plessey as a teenager, was asked by her supervisor if she'd like to become a penpal to her son, who was a few years older than Rosemary.

Rosemary started writing to Dave, who was in the RAF, and the pair eventually met.

When Dave was posted to Singapore, the couple decided to get married even though they hadn’t known each other long and Rosemary was only 18 years old.

They were married at St John's Baptist Church in Portsmouth, before spending their wedding night at the Bugle Hotel in Titchfield, and went to Singapore the following March.

The couple, who now have two children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, still have all the letters they wrote to each other over the years.

Daughter Kim was born in Singapore, while her brother Roger was born in Melksham, Wiltshire, and the family lived in a number of different places before moving to Lovedean about 20 years ago.

Kim Nicholls, 58, said: ‘I would like to wish my parents a very happy anniversary and many, many more years together.’

Dave, who used to be a Scout leader and loved walking and camping, had to retire early when he became unwell.

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When asked what his advice is for a successful marriage, he said: ‘The secret to a happy marriage is give and take and have respect for each other.’

The couple said that among the many highlights of their marriage, they particularly enjoyed living in Saudi Arabia, visiting Kim in South Africa when she lived there, and spending time with the family.

Kim added: ‘To celebrate we’re going for a family meal at the Ship and Bell in Horndean.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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