Mary and John Hinton

Mary and John Hinton, of Royal Wootton Bassett, are happy to be celebrating 60 years of marriage.

They first met in Stroud, at a country show where they were introduced by friends. Romance blossomed and they were engaged for 18 months before their October 1958 wedding, at the Congregational Church in Malmesbury, home town of Mary (nee Outlaw).

John, who grew up in Wootton Bassett, was educated at the old National School in Station Road, which became the Civic Centre and is now flats. "We used to go over the road for some classes, at the old vicarage," he recalled.

His sister and Mary's sister were bridesmaids at their wedding, and the best man was the late Brian Bastin. The reception at Malmesbury YMCA Hall was followed by a honeymoon in London.

The newlyweds shared John's mother's house at Coxstalls, Wootton Bassett, for a year, before moving to their present house, near the town fire station where John was Leading Fireman for 26 years. Not surprisingly, his interests have included brass fire extinguishers throughout the British Isles.

Mr and Mrs Hinton's happy family includes their two daughters, Wendy and Sallyann, and two grandchildren, Lucy, aged 22, and Lewis, 20.

John served an apprenticeship as a plumber with H Wallis, the former local builders. Subsequently he and Mary both worked at the dairy, which became Europe's largest chilled products factory and was Wootton Bassett's major employer for many years.

John worked on maintenance of the bottling plant and refrigeration, while Mary had various roles, including housekeeping.

Successive generations of local families worked there, and Mr and Mrs Hinton were active members of its thriving social club.

"Sadly, that has all gone, and the site was developed for housing, which meant loss of trees and countryside," Mary said.

John has been a member for 40 years in the local lodge of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, which was based at the former Beaufort Arms and is now at the Phoenix (former High Street Club).

Mary, who enjoys knitting, crochet and reading, likes playing bingo locally, while John prefers watching TV. As well as enjoying their home town, they both love the Carmarthen Bay area where they have owned a chalet for 30 years.

"We've had some good holidays there and have some wonderful friends in Wales," they said.

Reflecting on 60 years of marriage, they agree: "We've had a good life, and good daughters, sons in law and grandchildren who are all wonderful to us. We're so grateful!"

A surprise party and some lovely presents set the seal on a memorable celebration.