A COUPLE who have been active in the community have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

David (88) and Eleanor Nuthall (86) of Cheriton Fitzpaine held a very small family gathering at their home to mark the occasion.

They met through the Young Farmers’ Clubs movement, Eleanor a member of the Cheriton Fitzpaine club and David a member of the Exeter club.

Married after the harvest season had finished at Sandford Parish Church, the couple enjoyed a honeymoon in the Cotswolds and some time in Lynmouth and Lynton on their return journey.

They began their life together on a 62-acre farm at Washfield, near Tiverton with Guernsey cows, poultry and pigs.

They then moved to form a farming partnership at Dira, Cheriton Fitzpaine, later on their own at the farm, spending a total of 30 years farming there.

They had their current home, Clover Close, built for them near Dira and have lived there for 29 years.

It is a lovely property with a large garden, and fortunately the couple are keen gardeners.

They have four children, Christopher, Adrian, Simon and Ruthy and seven grandchildren.

The couple have been active in the community over many years.

Eleanor (nee Glanfield) has been a member of CODS for 20 years and also sings with the North Creedy Choir and Ad Hoc Singers. Sadly these activities have been put on hold due to the pandemic.

David is an ex-president of Sandford Cricket Club and was also very involved with Cheriton Fitzpaine Ploughing Association.

He was actively involved with Sandford Parish Hall and helped to build the Sandford School swimming pool.

David enjoyed sailing and had a small boat for 21 years.

David and Eleanor said that they enjoyed different hobbies during their lives, David also helping out on the farm until he was 75.