Raymond Strange first kissed his childhood sweetheart and future wife Veronica in a laundry room, and 60 years on they are closer than ever.

Last week the couple, who have lived in Royal Wootton Bassett for more than 40 years, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary, having met as children in the village of Box.

Raymond, 81, said he remembered taking ballroom dance classes in his younger days, and wooing Veronica with his skills.

He said: “Then I taught Veronica the quickstep, in the backyard, to the tune of Buttons and Bows.”

They were married on September 11, 1954 when they were both 21.

Swindon Advertiser:

Much of the couple’s life revolved around the Great Western Railway, and Raymond said his happiest years were spent working on the footplate of steam locomotives.

As a fireman he was responsible for stoking the powerful railway engines on the railways which were once Swindon’s biggest employer and made the town famous, but gave up the steam once diesel engines became the norm.

He said: “I loved my job, but the railway lost its appeal when diesels came in, so I joined the Post Office.

“I still enjoy my model railway, though, and we like steam railway trips, including the West Somerset Railway at Minehead.”

The couple’s son Malcolm was born in 1958 and their daughter, Vanessa followed in 1961. Now there are four grandchildren, all in their 20s, and a four-year-old great-grandchild.

For Veronica, who is a member of the Royal Wootton Bassett Ladies’ Guild and the Mothers’ Union in the town, one of the greatest joys is spending time with her family.

She said: “We love spending time with them all. It is lovely to have been together for so long."