Teenage romance still strong after 60 years (From Basingstoke Gazette)
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South Ham couple married at St Michael's Church, Basingstoke, aged 21
9:07am Thursday 11th October 2012 in Local By Helen Morton
Nellie and Alan Sherrard, both 81, of Margaret Road, South Ham, Basingstoke, are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary
A DIAMOND couple who met when they were teenagers are today celebrating six decades of marriage.
Alan and Nellie Sherrard, both 81, met when Alan was evacuated from Portsmouth to Basingstoke during the Second World War in 1947, when they were 16-years-old.
Alan was introduced to his future bride as a result of his friendship with some of her nine brothers.
They married at St Michael’s Church, Basingstoke – both aged 21. Nellie said: “We had to wait five years until we didn’t need parental permission.”
Six decades of wedded bliss later the couple have two children, Pearl, 53, and Alan, 41, three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, with an eighth due on April 1.
They have lived in South Ham since 1943, now in Margaret Road where they are enjoying their retirement.
Alan was a keen gardener before suffering a stroke and Nellie enjoys crosswords and puzzles.
Nellie, who worked in a factory which printed cheques, said: “We’ve always worked hard for everything we have.”
Alan spent many years working as a lorry driver for the borough council and also worked at a plant nursery before retiring in the 1990s.
They celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with a three course meal with family on Saturday, October 6 at The Honey Pot in Winchester Street, Overton.
When asked about the secret to a happy marriage, Nellie said it is vital to “try and get on,” adding: “We’ve had our moments, same as everyone else but we’ve always got over it and stayed together.”
Their daughter Pearl said: “Whatever they do, they do it together.”
