Teachers from Bury St Edmunds celebrate 70 years together

Wanda, 95, and John, 96, Colleer saw each other for the first time at Tollgate Primary School in Bury St Edmunds when they started teaching there in 1950, and they have been together ever since. 

The couple who recently celebrated their platinum anniversary got married at Wretham Church on April 6, 1953. 

Wanda and John Colleer's wedding, Family archives (Image: Family archives)

Wanda and John both continued to be involved in education in Suffolk for the remainder of their working lives.

Mrs Colleer worked as a peripatetic special needs teacher across West Suffolk for a number of years. 

Mr Colleer was the headteacher of primary schools in Stoke by Nayland and Great Cornard.  

He recalls his final professional achievement as being Westley Middle School’s first headteacher and remaining in the post for 18 years until his retirement. 

The couple said that they really enjoy spending time with their family and remembering all the happy memories from their marriage. 

Mrs and Mr Colleer added on their 70th anniversary: "We are proud of this achievement.

"We feel very lucky to have had so many years together." 

They also revealed their recipe for a long and happy marriage. 

Wanda and John Colleer, Family archives (Image: Family archives)

Mrs Colleer said: "See the positive side of things, don’t dwell on the negatives and don’t harbour grievances."    

Mr Colleer added: "Encourage and allow each other to pursue their own interests."   

The couple has two daughters, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.