Sidbury couple who featured in Sidmouth Herald 50 years ago celebrate anniversary

The golden couple celebrating their anniversary. (Image: Archant)

Hazel and Michael Hallett tied the knot in front of 200 guests on July 13, 1967 at St Andrew’s Church, in Cullompton.

The pair bought a dairy farm at Lower Sweetcombe, in Sidbury, the October before they got married and they have lived there ever since.

When asked what the secret was to a long and happy marriage, Hazel said: “Hard work; we have not had a holiday for 25 years. Other than when we had the children we haven’t had a day off. I still milk now.

“Communication and good fun is key to a happy marriage.”

Hazel first met Michael when she was 16 years old at a dance. They went on a date a week later and have been together ever since.

The pair got married a day before Hazel’s 21st birthday and when Michael was 23.

Hazel said she had to wait a while for her wedding while her two sisters tied the knot; in the space of 18 months her father saw all of his daughters married off.

The couple had three girls and a boy, who gave them three granddaughters and five grandsons.

To celebrate their anniversary, the couple had two big parties; one was attended by 30 people and the other by more than 100 of their family and friends.

Hazel said over time they had expanded the farm and built another house and a bungalow on it.

She added they now lived in the bungalow which overlooked Sidmouth, Torquay and the Sid Valley so they never felt the need to get away for a holiday.

“We are happy and content in our little world.”

When asked what advice she would give to newly married couples, Hazel said: “Communication and not having your phone in your hand all the time. It makes me so cross when I see people at a table sat across for one another texting and mums walking down the road not paying attention to their children because they are on the phone. People just don’t communicate anymore.”