DIAMOND couple Dennis and Maureen Northam had a special reason to celebrate their anniversary in Sidmouth, because they got engaged at a seafront bus shelter there 62 years ago.
DIAMOND couple Dennis and Maureen Northam had a special reason to celebrate their anniversary in Sidmouth, because they got engaged at a seafront bus shelter there 62 years ago.
The couple, who are both 80, returned to the town, which they visit several times a year, for a celebratory lunch at the Bedford Hotel with Dennis' brother Don and his wife Betty, who live in Sidmouth, and their youngest daughter Alison and her husband Gary.
"Dennis gave Maureen a new diamond ring on the day," said Don of Woolbrook Rise.
"It all came as a nice surprise for her."
He said his brother and Maureen used to visit Sidmouth when they were courting and decided to get engaged there.
"He was extremely jealous when I told him nine years ago we were moving to Sidmouth," said Don, who with his brother, are Devonians from Exeter.
Before retiring, Dennis was a head teacher at Blake's School, Bridgwater and Maureen worked for a short time as a librarian.
On Saturday, the couple had a second celebration for more than 40 family and friends in Cannington, Somerset, where they live, including Don's son Stephen and his family, who flew in from Madrid.
The diamond couple have two daughters, Myra and Alison, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
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