Topcroft couple celebrate six decades of wedded bliss

Diamond Wedding Couple Alma and Eric Herring. (Image: © Archant 2014)

Alma and Eric Herring of Topcroft, near Bungay, have lived in the same house in the village since they tied the knot on September 25, 1954, and over the years have been hugely active in community life.

The couple, who were married at St Margaret's Church in Topcroft, celebrated 60 years of married life yesterday with a surprise tour of Norwich on an open top bus followed by afternoon tea at the Assembly House.

Mrs Herring, 84, was born in the nearby village Hardwick, but moved to Topcroft in 1935. She started work at Basil Leeder's Mill in Long Stratton at the age of 17, looking after the children. It was while they were both working in Long Stratton that the couple met.

Mr Herring, 87, was born in Norwich but at the age of 16 moved to his grandad's house in Hardwick, after their home was bombed. He worked for his grandad's and uncle's building and carpentry business before setting up his own building company which his son now runs.

Together they have two children, Michael and Sheila, as well as two grandchildren Robert and Lucy.

Mr and Mrs Herring belong to the Norfolk Horse Driving Club and previously owned a horse and trap. Mr Herring is still president of the club. The pair also remain very involved with the village church and are a part of the recreation ground committee, who helped to raise money to build new sports facilities.

When asked about their secret to a long and happy marriage, Mrs Herring said: 'We have our disagreements but we always make up. No one agrees all the time. We do lots of things together and we have always had the same interests.'

•Are you celebrating a special anniversary? Email amy.smith@archant.co.uk