Brief encounter put couple on track for happy marriage

8:30am Sunday 5th October 2008

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A CHANCE meeting on a train was the start of a long and happy marriage for a Herefordshire couple.

Cedric (Ted) and Irene Tonks met on a train travelling to Didcot as they were coming back off leave while they were in the Army - and are now celebrating their diamond wedding.

Ted, who served with the Cameron Highlanders, was coming back from service overseas and Irene, who served with the ATS, was stationed in Didcot.

They married in Erdington, Birmingham before moving to Ullingswick in 1983, then Franksbridge in Wales and finally their current home in Almeley, where they have lived for nine years.

Ted was also an electric welder in Birmingham for about 20 years and Irene's jobs included working for the Birmingham Post & Mail and as a civil service for export and credit.

Ted said the secret to their marriage was being patient and always making up after arguments.

The couple, who have three children - Deborah, Andrew and Nigel - and six grandchildren, celebrated the big day at their home in Almeley.