A DIAMOND wedding anniversary is a unique occasion that few couples reach, but in Ross-on-Wye last week, three couples celebrate their anniversary having all married on the same day, April 2, 1966.

And in a bizarre twist of fate, all three men worked together at the town’s Royal Mail depot.

Alwyn and Sue Kirby first met at the Hope and Anchor in Ross, where Sue lived at the pub, which was owned by her parents. Alwyn a local lad played skittles for the pub.

After their wedding Alwyn became a postman and retained fireman at Ross Fire Station while Sue worked at Midlands Electricity Board for nearly 20 years then at Wye Electrical Services for the next 10 years. She then became the receptionist for the Ross Gazette for five years before retiring.

They said the secret to a happy marriage was sharing the same interests, plenty of laughter and a lot of give and take.

Stan and Diana James met at the Jazz Club at the New Inn (now the Eagle) on Broad Street in Ross and were married at Walford Parish Church, where Diana lived and Stan originated from Lydbrook.

Stan worked in the Ambulance Service for many years before becoming a postman in Ross as well as being a retained fireman in the town, where son Andrew is now.

Diana worked at Central Bakery for many years then helped her sister Beryl run Fresh Grounds restaurant for many years.

It was early in 1960 that Bill Knapper met his bride to be, Janet on a blind date at Wormelow Dance Hall. Their romance progressed, despite the travelling difficulties between Ross and Rogiet, where Janet lived. They tied the knot at Caldicot Methodist Church, before honeymooning in Bournemouth.

Bill was working as a postman in Ross while Janet was as a GPO telephonist at Hereford Telephone Exchange.

During the passing years life was happy with Janet’s career progressing by undertaking training duties across the UK. She left BT, as it had become in 1988 and setting up a training company in Cardiff. The business was sold in 2010, when She retired.

Having retired Bill is a now a keen gardener and golfer having been a member of Ross Golf Club for over 25 years.

Alwyn, Sue, Stan and Di became close friends whilst their children were at primary school together and during a surprise afternoon tea, they realised their wedding anniversary was on the same day.

Alwyn and Sue have two children Wendy and Deb, three grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Stan and Diana have three children, Karen, Kate and Andrew, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Their son Andrew is currently a serving officer at Ross fire station.

Bill and Janet did not have any children.

All three couples received congratulatory cards from King Charles and Queen Camilla as they each celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.