Celebrations are in full swing at Sandstone Court in Telford where a sparkling couple mark their diamond wedding anniversary. The two residents at the Extra Care scheme reflect on six decades of love and companionship. 

Maureen and Len met while they were both members of the Walsall Operatic Society. They were performing in the production of The Land of Smiles, when their relationship blossomed, and in January 1964, Len proposed to Maureen. 

(Pictured: Maureen and Len 27 February 1965) 

The couple got married at the Methodist Church in Willenhall, on 27 February 1965 and celebrated the rest of their special day at the Victoria Hotel in Wolverhampton.  

Maureen added: “The church was special to me, I would sing in solos when there was anniversaries taking place”. 

“On the day of the wedding it was cold, but the sun was shining. It was beautiful. My cousin had to remind me to keep the bouquet still as I was shivering from the cold. The wedding was medium sized, and the women wore sage green dresses” 

Later that year, Maureen and Len found out they were expecting their first child, and their son Adrian was born in April 1966. 

Maureen officially retired at the age of 67 and Len retired at 68. They decided to settle on a bungalow on Keepers Lane, Tettenhall and spent the next 10 years exploring the world. 

Over the years, Len started to struggle with stairs, so they continued to live in their bungalow for the next ten years.  During their years here, the couple took a one-month cruise on the Queen Mary 2. 

“We sailed past the Empire State Building”. 

In 2024, the couple then decided to move to Housing 21’s Extra Care scheme in Telford. They both said: “Moving here was brilliant, absolutely brilliant! I don’t think I would have coped at my previous property, the move was a must”. 

“We been here since March 2024 and have settled in well”. 

When asked what the secret to a long-lasting marriage, they laughed and said: “patience”.

The couple will celebrate their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 27 February with fellow residents at their scheme.