They were separated for months at a time when they first became husband and wife, but 60 years on Beccles couple Stanley and Constance Honeywood are still very much in love.
The pair were married on a snowy day on February 18, 1956, at Heckingham Church, and yesterday celebrated their diamond anniversary.
Mr and Mrs Honeywood met in their late teens at a dance at Caxton Hut in Beccles, and courted for seven years before tying the knot.
Mr Honeywood - known as Ted - was born in Kings Lynn but raised in Beccles by his grandparents. He worked in the bindery at William Clowes printing works in Beccles after leaving school before volunteering for National Service in the Navy in 1943. He was demobbed in 1945 and after the war joined the Merchant Navy as a first class cabin steward on ocean liners.
He travelled all over the world with his work, but was away from home six months at a time, and after marrying his wife he decided it was time to come home for good.
He said: “It’s no married life being away for that long at a time.”
Mr Honeywood had just returned from a trip away before his wedding day.
He said: “I had just come back from Australia and there was snow on the ground. I was frozen.”
The couple still have a photo album full of memories from their special day, taken by a photographer who biked from Bungay to Heckingham in the snow to be there.
Mrs Honeywood, now 87, was born in Beccles but raised in Hales. She also worked at Clowes printers as well Clarke’s bakery in Blyburgate.
Together the couple have one son Paul who is married to Fiona, and two grandchildren Adam and Ellen.
Mr Honeywood, aged 90, is a member of the Beccles branch of the Royal British Legion.
The pair have lived together in Beccles all their married life and said they have a lovely family and lots of friends, who they marked their milestone with.
Mrs Honeywood said: “We used to have a party for every anniversary but now we feel a bit old.”
And when asked the secret to their long and happy marriage, the couple said they just get on with things.
“If you have an argument you just have to get over it,” said Mr Honeywood.
Are you celebrating a special milestone? Email amy.smith@archant.co.uk
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