A PEMBROKE couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary last Thursday (April 17).

John and Maureen Skeels have enjoyed 60 years together since their marriage at St Andrew’s Church, Pembroke Dock, on Easter Sunday 1954.

“The secret to our happy marriage is to be honest with one another, and if you have any problems sit down together and solve them,” said 79-year-old Maureen.

John, 81, added: “Before you close your eyes at night, say to one another ‘Goodnight, I love you’.”

They met at The Grand Cinema, Pembroke Dock, aged 16 and 18. John was an apprentice agricultural engineer at Castle Garage, Pembroke, and Maureen worked at Williams the Chemist, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, before leaving to help her parents run a care home.

In 1951 John was called up for national service. After three months training he was posted to Korea where he served with the First Commonwealth Division 28 Field Regiment Royal Engineers. He received the Korean and United Nations medals.

John returned home in December 1953, having already got engaged to Maureen while on leave.

They made their first home at Elm Grove, Pembroke, and their first son, Brinley, was born in 1955. In 1959 they had a second son called Leslie who tragically died in 2001.

After 48 years of farming at Bee-Hall Farm they retired to Wrench Close. The couple have five grandsons and three great-grandsons.

“It’s been wonderful,” said Maureen. “I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone. John has been a wonderful husband, we’re like two peas in a pod.”

Brinley added: “They’re great parents and they’re great together. You couldn’t meet two nicer people.”