A Swindon couple celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary have lived next door to the Magic Roundabout for its entire existence.

John and Violet Clark have been married for 60 years after tying the knot on March 16, 1963.

“We met in London in 1959 through us both being in church as we used to meet up,” said Violet.

“We were courting for two years and were engaged for another two years after that.”

Swindon Advertiser: John and Violet married on March 16, 1963.John and Violet married on March 16, 1963. (Image: Newsquest)

After tying the knot the pair spent their honeymoon in the capital and stayed at The Savoy.

They have lived in the same Shrivenham Road property since moving to Swindon 55 years ago.

“We moved into here in February of 1967 and been here ever since,” said 83-year-old John.

Swindon Advertiser:

“It was quite rundown when we moved in and I did quite a bit of rebuilding, changing the windows and more."

Violet, 81, said: “We didn’t want to move as it has a lot of memories and John’s hard work.”

Swindon Advertiser: The pair live within walking distance of the County Ground and used to attend Swindon Town matches there.The pair live within walking distance of the County Ground and used to attend Swindon Town matches there. (Image: Newsquest)

The location of the house also made it easy for the pair to cheer on Swindon Town.

“We used to go to a few matches but we don’t go there anymore,” said John.

“It was a handy distance to walk.”

The Clarks remember Magic Roundabout's construction in 1971 too.

“We remember it being put in and we both used to cycle round around it freely as it didn’t used to bother us but I wouldn’t now as it’s far too busy,” remarked Violet.

John added: “It’s only magic if you manage to get across it!”

Swindon Advertiser: The couple used to cycle around Swindon's iconic Magic Roundabout.The couple used to cycle around Swindon's iconic Magic Roundabout. (Image: Clare Green)

The pair plan to mark their anniversary in style this year with a family get together and a holiday away from Wiltshire.

“We are having a big family meal to celebrate with all of our grandkids,” said John.

“Then we are going away for a trip in Devon.”

The couple say they remain as happy as the day they married 60 years on and shared an insight on how to stay together for such a long time.

“We’ve had our ups and downs like everybody else but it has all ironed out,” said Violet.

“The marriage have been really good, we’ve stuck it out for 60 years.”

John said: “You never really think if you’ll make it to 60 years when you get together, you just take it a day at a time.”