A couple from Newton Abbot will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary this month.

Don and Jean Balsom tied the knot at the Trecarn Hotel in Torquay on October 20 1954. ‘We had a sit-down meal for around 60 people,’ Don recalled. ‘It cost 11 shillings and 9 pence.’

The couple met at Barton Baptist Church Youth Club. They were part of a larger group of friends and Don was originally ‘with someone else’, pointed out Jean. However, as the group paired off, Don realised it was Jean he wanted to be with.

‘Always agree,’ Jean asserted when asked the secret of a long and happy marriage. ‘She’s short, so she’s the boss,’ quipped back Don. ‘We’ve been lucky,’ he added. ‘We’ve had a reasonable life. We’ve had our ups and downs but we’ve always made up.’

Over the years Don and Jean have enjoyed varied careers including managing a wet fish and chip shop in Torquay, running a mobile snack bar in Kingskerswell and a guest house in Torquay. Don then joined the ambulance service in 1963 where he worked until he retired 32 years ago.

Don and Jean have kept themselves busy in retirement. Don was part of the Newton Abbot Civic Society for six years and the couple spent 23 years as stewards at Castle Drogo National Trust property. They were also secretary and chair of the South Devon Fuchsia and Pelargonium Society.

Don and Jean have always enjoyed the outdoors. Jean was a keen horsewoman and both enjoy walking on Dartmoor. They used to organise 24 walks a year for the NHS Retirement Fellowship. ‘Now, we tend to just go up to the moor to sit and enjoy the views,’ admits Don.

The marriage has produced two children: Sandra, who is a teacher in Newton Abbot, and Paul, who lives in Sweden and works travels extensively in his work as a football scientist and fitness coach.

Don and Jean will celebrate their wedding anniversary at Dainton Golf Club surrounded by their children and grandchildren who will be flying in from as far afield as Sweden and Australia.