Second honeymoon plan after 60 years

JPCT 300114 S14060104x Billingshurst. Diamond anniversary. Derek and Pauline Ashbolt celebrating their 60th anniversary -photo by Steve Cobb

Derek Ashbolt, 85, and wife Pauline, 82, have lived in the village for 43 years.

The couple, who were married in Tooting, have two sons - one who lives in Billingshurst and one in Connecticut, USA - and three grandchildren.

Pauline said: “We’ve had ups and downs, no marriage is perfect.

“On our wedding day we had a thunderstorm and there was bomb damage from the war, but the vicar made it the best he could.”

Derek said: “For our 60th we don’t want anything so what we’ll do is have a honeymoon, go back to Jersey.”

The couple met at the Festival of Britain in the early 1950s.

Derek was an engineer while Pauline had odd jobs.

They stressed how much their family mean to them. The family are treating them to a surprise today, before the couple hosts a small gathering of friends at the weekend.