A COUPLE who met at Chalford bus stop more than 60 years ago celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary yesterday. 

John and Josie Fry first locked eyes on each other when they were both catching a bus into Stroud on July 18, 1956.

There were only two people on the bus at the time and John was brave enough to ask to sit next to Josie.

Almost exactly one year later on July 17, 1957, the couple tied the knot, getting married at Stroud Registry Office in Rowcroft.

“I saw Josie on the bus and I just thought I’d go for it,” said John, 83, who has lived in the Stroud District all his life.

“I took her Stroud Show that year for our first date and after that we never looked back.”

“I liked the look of John when I first saw him, “added Josie, 78.

“He was still in the army at the time and he had very dark skins and bright white hair.”

The couple had a big celebration at the Conservative Club in Stroud on Sunday, inviting more than 50 people to enjoy their big day including their two children and four grandchildren.

With John having retired from his careers in the army and working as a builder and Josie retiring from her job working at Bells the drapers, the couple have plenty of time to do other stuff they enjoy.

“I enjoy going for walks and spending time in the garden,” said John who served during the Korean War in 1953.

“Josie spends a lot of time looking after the garden, making sure the flowers look nice.”

Having reached 60 years happily married the couple intend to keep going and when asked what the secret to a good marriage is Josie simply replied, “A lot of love and even more affection.”