DECEMBER 27, 2018, is the diamond wedding of Pat and Bernard Workman, a well-known couple in Royal Wootton Bassett, where they settled ten years after their 1958 wedding at St John's Church, Worcester.

"We think Royal Wotton Bassett is the loveliest town in the world," Pat said."We're so happy to live here." Now in their early eighties, they enjoy living in such a vibrant community.

Their romance began during Bernard's photographic apprenticeship with the Worcester Evening News & Times, where Pat was a receptionist.

"I invited Pat to come and see my dark room," Bernard recalled. The couple's romance developed as successfully as Bernard's photographic career, which has included picturing the Royal family, including the late Queen Mother, the Queen and Prince Philip

They got engaged, but endured separation during Bernard's National Service (deferred due to his apprenticeship). He was stationed in Singapore, throughout the two years, including his 21st birthday, and they corresponded constantly.

Happily they were wed in 1958, although Bernard's wrist was in plaster after a motorbike accident. This failed to dim the celebration! Pat's niece Helen was bridesmaid and Bernard's cousin was best man.

Mr and Mrs Workman's first marital home was a flat in Worcester, and in 1960 Bernard's job moved to Kidderminster. By then, their first son, Nick, had arrived.

In 1961 Tim was born, and Simon's birth in 1964 completed the family.

The Workmans moved in 1968 to Wootton Bassett, where they raised the family. Now there are three granddaughters and a grandson.

Tim's family lives in New Zealand, where Bernard and Pat have spent many happy holidays. The other sons' families are in the Midlands and in Swindon.

Bernard was a press photographer with the Wiltshire Gazette and the Swindon Advertiser for 28 years, and later worked in the photographic section at RAF Lyneham. He was involved in the Lions for 28 years.

He is a past-President of Probus at Royal Wootton Bassett, and he and Pat are both volunteer guides at the Steam museum in Swindon. Bernard is also a guide at Avebury Manor.

"We meet groups of children from as far afield as Weston-super-Mare," he said. "They often arrive dressed as wartime evacuees, and have a brilliant time."

Pat is still involved in the Townswomen's Guild , where she is a past chairman and outings organiser, and she keeps in touch with Lorna Doone Day Centre where she was a helper for many years.

Their 60th wedding anniversary, with some of the family, will involve a visit to the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway, for "a new slant on a wedding breakfast" at a station, and a train ride.

Apart from their community interests, they both like gardening and reading, and are great fans of the local library, especially travelogues and novels. But whether on far-flung travels or enjoying life close to home, this contented couple feel fortunate indeed.