A COUPLE from Yate say they could not imagine life apart after 60 happy years of marriage.

Gerry and Gwen Merrett, of Stanshawes Crescent, celebrate their diamond anniversary today.

The pair met working at the former Newmans factory, on Station Road, Yate in 1945. Gerry was an electrical engineer and Gwen worked on ammunitions.

Gerry then served for the RAF for two years before returning to wed his waiting fiancée at St Saviour's Church, Frampton Cotterell at 11am on March 27, 1958.

Together they have lived in Wickwar, Frampton Cotterell and Yate.

The couple say they have had a wonderful marriage with many happy memories.

Gerry said: "It wasn't long after meeting Gwen that I knew she was the one for me.

"About to leave for RAF service I promised I'd be back to marry her, I was so pleased she waited for me."

The pair enjoyed the wedding but nearly missed their honeymoon.

Gerry said: "Getting to Yate railway station we realised the train we booked to Derby was in fact not stopping at Yate.

"So we frantically got a train to Patchway and called on the station manager there to hold up the train to Derby.

"We told him it was for our honeymoon and he must of taken exception!"

During their marriage the couple enjoyed touring England with their caravan for summer holidays.

The pair celebrated their anniversary with family and friends at the Folley Hotel in Westerleigh last week.

Gwen, aged 82, said: "We've both had various illnesses but have not let it get in the way of our marriage."

Gerry, aged 80, added: "We are just so happy together - that's all that matters to us."

4:36pm Tuesday 25th March 2008

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