Congratulations to local couple, James ‘Jim’ and Roma Beck who are celebrating seventy years of marriage this week, their Platinum Wedding Anniversary.

James Beck married Roma Johnson on 31st March 1951 at Kilmersdon Church. Their first home was The Lodge House on the entrance to the Ammerdown Estate, where James worked.

They moved after two years, with their first son in arms, to Keeper’s Cottage, Holcombe, where James was a gamekeeper. They lived there for thirteen years, until they outgrew the bungalow with another three children.

They moved in 1965 to Haydon, where they still reside. James worked for Prattens for many years, then Fry’s chocolate factory, but most people will know him for being the local gravedigger. He dug graves, by hand, with just a spade, unlike today where they use mechanical equipment most of the time. Roma worked as a Home Help, as well as looking after four children and a home.

They both still live busy lives, with Roma baking and James working on his immaculate garden – supplying them with organic vegetables all year round.

Daughter Helen Barnes said: “We are very fortunate to have such wonderful parents. They are still looking after their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren – seventy years after it all began. We love and appreciate them both dearly.”