A COUPLE from Newton St Cyres, Dorothy and Ronald Kingsland, celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary at the Waie Inn, Zeal Monachorum.

The couple have two sons, Philip and Stephen, three grandsons and one grand-daughter.

Ronald, one of 10 children, grew up in Whiddon Down where he went to school. When he left school he worked on a farm in the Whiddon Down area.

During the war he spent six years agricultural contracting. He then went to work on a farm owned by Mr Knox, where he worked for 27 years.

Dorothy went into domestic service at the age of 14 years. At the age of 18 years she joined the WRAF where she spent four years working as a wireless operator.

She married Ronald at South Tawton Church shortly after being demobbed.

The couple moved to Newton St Cyres 18 months ago to be near to their two sons and love living in the village because it is so friendly.

When asked what is the secret to a long and happy marriage Ronald replied: "Give and take" and Dorothy agreed.

They were delighted to receive a card from the Queen and also received numerous cards and flowers from well-wishers. Niece Roz and her husband Gary made a DVD using a selection of historic photographs to tell the story of Dorothy and Ronald, which everyone enjoyed.

Nora Parminter