Love is key to diamond wedding say Wisbech couple

It was when rain stopped play during a cricket match on Coronation Day 60 years ago that Derrick King first met his future wife, Joan.

Derrick, now 83, was playing cricket at Tydd St Giles, while Joan was helping organise games for the village children.

Suddenly rain stopped play and everyone ran to a barn, which was being used to serve afternoon tea, to shelter from the rain. And it was there that they met.

Derrick was born in Wingland, near Sutton Bridge, and was a landworker and Joan (nee Rogers), 81, was born at Tydd St Giles.

They married at Tydd St Giles Parish Church and first lived at Tydd Gote, where they had three children – Susan, Shirley and Christine.

The couple moved to Wisbech in 1961 and now live in Elmfield Drive. Joan was a housewife and Derrick worked for Orchard Products. When the children went to school they both worked for The Metal Box Co in Wisbech.

Celebrations started the weekend before their anniversary with a family lunch at a local hotel, followed by Skype video calls to all seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren who are scattered across the UK and one granddaughter in Canada.

They then celebrated through the week with family, friends and neighbours.

When asked what their secret is to a long and happy marriage, Joan said: “To listen to one another, to be patient and tolerant.” Derrick said: “Love. I’ve always loved my Joan and always will.”