Pictured: David and Shirley March 2024

A remarkable milestone is being celebrated in Ipswich as David and Shirley, residents of Vinnicombe Court, toasted to 60 years of marriage, marking their diamond wedding anniversary in the same year Housing 21 celebrates 60 years.

Their journey began at the Gainsborough Hotel in Ipswich where David often performed in his band ‘Southpaws’, and 60 years later, the couple still reside locally.

The pair exchanged vows at St John’s Church in Ipswich on a brisk spring day. After the ceremony, guests gathered for a deliciously, hearty roast dinner and danced the night away to celebrate.

They both worked until they were 70, which David said: “keeps us both young at heart”. David worked in electrical trade for most of his career and Shirley had many domestic jobs, spending her last working years at Hawthorn Drive Home for the Elderly, where she retired.

When asked what their secret is to a long-lasting marriage, Shirley said: “Giving each other space, so that we can enjoy our past time together but also with friends. I enjoy meeting regularly with friends and my Friday bingo sessions at Vinnicombe Court”.

When asked the same question, David agreed, and expressed how he enjoys pottering about in the garden in his down time and getting DIY jobs done around their apartment.

Pictured: David and Shirley on their wedding day in March 1964

Together they have a son and three grandchildren and adore reminiscing about their favourite memories together from over the years. They said: “One of our favourite memories was the birth of our son who we are immensely proud of.”

The pair are marking six decades of union with their family and friends at their Retirement Living scheme, which is owned and operated by Housing 21, which is also celebrating its 60^th anniversary as a housing association in 2024