A COUPLE are celebrating 60 years of marriage after meeting at their place of work.

Bruce and Judith Major met while working at Timothy Whites, a chain of dispensing chemists and houseware stores.

The couple, now aged 88 and 81 respectively, began dating a year after meeting.

Then on August 16, 1958, at the ages of 28 and 21, they got married at Andover Baptist Church, which was located in High Street.

They held a reception for 60 guests, costing £41, at the Copper Kettle Hotel, which was at 12 High Street, including a buffet and drinks.

Speaking about the big day, Judith said: “Well my wedding dress cost me £10, it was a lot of money then.

“They don’t even have dresses like that now.

“The cake cost £8, it was a lovely cake. Bruce’s cousin was a baker and he made that. It almost cost as much as my dress.”

The couple honeymooned in Ilfracombe.

Judith added: “We had a nice time there. we’d never been away before that.”

They went on to have three children: Diane, John and Bryan, and now have five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren who regularly visit the pair and take them out for trips.

Before retiring, Bruce used to work at a timber company and then worked for a print firm, whilst Judith spent 13 years working as a dinner lady at Portway School.

Some of the couple’s fondest memories together come from time spent travelling, particularly in Europe.

They have holidayed in places such as Croatia, France and Spain, but Italy remains a firm favourite.

Judith said: “We used to go with my brother and sister-in-law and two friends and we used to go by coach.

“We’ve done alright haven’t we?

“There’s some beautiful places out there.”

The pair are modest to the secret behind their marital success, simply saying: “We have our ups and downs, but no we get on pretty well.

“Some days are better than others but we get on alright.”

The couple and their family will be celebrating alongside plenty of friends at an afternoon tea organised by their granddaughter and her partner this coming Sunday.