A DIAMOND couple who will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Thursday said the key to a long and healthy marriage is ‘laughter’.
Studley residents Brian and Norma Bennett, aged 83 and 81, added that their longevity comes from never going to sleep on an argument and also making sure they go out and enjoy themselves as often as they can.
The loved-up couple, who wed at Mappleborough Green Church on April 1, 1961, met while working in the needle industry.
“I was 15 and Brian was 17,” said Norma.
“He was a lorry driver and he used to come to my factory and bring coke for the boilers.
“I liked him as soon as I saw him. It wasn’t long after that when we went to our first dance together.”
Eventually the pair moved into the cottage which Brian was born in, staying there 36 years, before moving into their current bungalow where they have lived for 25 years.
Together they have four children: Peter, Mark, Julie and Lynda and 13 grandchildren.
“We have around 24 great-grandchildren,” said Norma, “but we don’t see all of them that often because some are in Australia and Wales.”
Brian, who described Norma as the best thing that’s ever happened to him, said the couple are looking forward to going away on holiday again soon.
They have visited Spain, Portugal and Ireland over the years but say their holidays abroad have been swapped with British holidays in the caravan.
“We’re also looking forward to starting our meals out every Friday again once lockdown is over,” said Norma.
“The sooner the better, because I’m fed up with cooking!”
Speaking about their special milestone, their daughter Lynda said: “It’s absolutely amazing.
“They’re still loved-up; they couldn’t live without each other.”
