Speen couple celebrate 60 years of wedded bliss

Sixty years after they tied the knot, Speen couple Eric and Doreen Scott say they are as happy as ever, and put the key to their happiness to spending quality time together.

The couple, who live in Battle Road, married at St John’s Church, Stockcross, when Mrs Scott was just 17 and her bridegroom was 20.

Following a string of successful careers, they both now volunteer their time at the Newbury Community Furniture Project; Mr Scott as a carpenter and Mrs Scott in the showroom.

The pair have supported each other in sickness and in health, as Mr Scott had an emergency operation owing to a cancer scare and broke his back, and Mrs Scott is partially deaf.

Their daughter Debbie Hutt and her partner Darren are whisking the pair off on a day out, the itinerary for which has not been revealed, followed by Champagne and cake at Speen hotel the Hare and Hounds.

Joining them for the occasion will be their grown-up grandchildren Neil and Kim and five great-grandchildren, Max and Chloe, both aged six, Jack, aged four, Megan, aged three, and Ashley, aged two, as well as their friend of 50 years, Joyce Bowsher, and another close friend, Pamela Griffiths.

When asked what their secret was to a long and happy marriage, Mrs Scott said: “You have got to work together and try to be happy. Work things out together.

“He’s always telling me that he loves me. He’s absolutely wonderful with my deafness and it’s a lot to put up with.

“I had a deaf mother, so I know what he goes through, but he’s so patient and so kind.

“We have a wonderful life, we enjoy it so much.

“Having our daughter was the most wonderful experience.”

Mr Scott added: “Everybody has their ups and downs but we get on so well. We like to keep fit. We’re always doing something together.

“Through my ill-health in the past, Doreen has been 100 per cent – I wouldn’t have got over things without her.”