Still going strong 60 years on

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER: Olive and Bob Place celebrated 60 years together in Wanganui on Saturday.PHOTO/STUART MUNRO 040615WCSM60TH2

Bob and Olive Place celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in Wanganui yesterday at the home of their daughter and son-in-law Susan and Wayne Hughes.

Mrs Hughes said her family emigrated from England in 1971 and settled in Auckland where Mr Place worked as a registered electrician before later moving to electronics sales.

"They first met in Chester, England, when Mum visited a local swimming pool with her friend and Dad was there with his brother.

"The four of them became friends and Mum and Dad married in 1955 when they were both 23."

The couple came to live in Wanganui in 1997 to be close to where their daughter has settled. Mrs Hughes said they have been very happy here. Attending the Trinity Methodist Church and playing indoor bowls fostered an enjoyable social life and they now have two grandchildren.

"We had 40 guests here on Saturday to help celebrate with them and they had a wonderful time.

"The oldest guest was 94 and everyone who came really enjoyed themselves as well, I think," Mrs Hughes said.