Felixstowe couple Chris and Ian Bowler mark diamond wedding

The couple, who first knew one another aged just 11 and nine when their parents were friends, say kindness and respect for each other is crucial.

However, finding fun in life, even during heated arguments, is the way to keep your marriage on track.

“A sense of humour is good for diffusing a tense situation,” said retired schoolteacher Mrs Bowler, who will celebrate her 84th birthday later this month. “Try hard not to carry over a quarrel or argument to another day – although it can be difficult sometimes.”

Ian and Chris Bowler on their wedding day in 1963. (Image: Bowler family)

The Felixstowe couple married on August 10 and are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary. (Image: Bowler family)

Mr Bowler, 82, a retired engineer, agreed, adding: “Try and laugh at yourself – a sense of humour and fun is very helpful. Also, show that you care about each other – little things, a surprise bunch of flowers or a trip out, eat together and talk to each other.

“However, we have no words of wisdom really, just a deep feeling of gratitude for what we have.”

The couple knew one another as children but it was over a decade later when they met again by chance at a chapel service.

Ian and Chris Bowler on their wedding day in 1963. (Image: Bowler family)

Ian and Chris Bowler on their wedding day in 1963. (Image: Bowler family)

Romance blossomed and they were married on August 10, 1963 in Derbyshire, later relocating to Felixstowe because it was Mrs Bowler’s dream to live by the sea.

“We are proud we have been able to look after ourselves with enough money to buy a house and have holidays through our own efforts. We are most proud of our whole family, we love them so much,” said Mrs Bowler.

The couple have one son and a daughter, three grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

They are celebrating their anniversary at a lunch with close family and friends at the Orwell Hotel in Felixstowe.