Couple celebrate 60 years of wedded bliss

Ronald Ditchfield, 82, and wife Shirley, 79, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary at a party with staff, family and friends at Edgeley House care home in Whitchurch.

The couple received a letter from the Queen.

Mrs Ditchfield, from Ellesmere worked as a telephonist at the Whitchurch telephone exchange, while Mr Ditchfield, from Salford, was in the RAF and worked in a number of different roles and trades.

It was while he was stationed at Prees Heath base that he met his future wife and the pair spoke regularly on the phone before he plucked up the courage to ask her out on a date.

The pair then lived in Wirswall, Cheshire for 35 years before settling in Whitchurch for the next 25. They now have two daughters, Elaine and Sheena, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Ann Wynn, home manager, said: "It's not every day that a couple celebrates such a significant anniversary, so it is a magnificent achievement for Ronald and Shirley.

"They are a joy to have around the home and it was a lovely occasion and the perfect celebration of Ronald and Shirley's Diamond anniversary. Everyone here at Edgeley House would like to wish them all the best for their future years together."