AN Andover couple have worked as a team to build a successful marriage that has lasted 50 years.

Nick and Rosalie Winder, of Lilywhite Crescent, met in Chepstow in 1959 when Nick was at Army apprentice school and Rosalie worked for the Trust House hotel chain.

Nick, who is from Gravesend, Kent, was 16 years old and Rosalie, from Chepstoe, Monmouthshire, was 15 years old They got engaged in December 1960 when Nick completed his apprenticeship and joined the Royal Engineers as a regular soldier.

The pair then married at St Mary’s Church in Chalk, Kent, when they were 20.

They have one daughter, Michelle, and two grandchildren, Jack and Alice.

The Army was to be Nick’s lifelong career, spanning 46 years. He worked his way through the ranks, eventually achieving Lietenant Colonel.

He completed Commando training in 1973 and over the next twenty years served four tours with 3 Commando Brigade. He was awarded the MBE for services to Commando Forces in 1992.

Rosalie enjoyed the Army life but is now content enjoying her home and garden. She regularly entered Test Valley in Bloom competitions and, for a number of years, was among the prize winners. She also enjoys cruising, the theatre and meeting up with her friends.

Nick enjoys DIY, is a philatelist and an amateur musician – he plays in the Andover Light Orchestra and Allegro Wind Band.

He works two days a week at Andover Shopmobility where, in his words, he meets a lot of very nice people.

Nick is also president of the Royal Engineers Association of Andover and Winchester Branch.

The pair celebrated their anniversary surrounded by family and friends at the Quality Hotel.

Nick said: “Our successful marriage is due to working as a team, having the same outlook and goals in life, sharing everything and above all we have never lost our powers of conversation.”