Isle of Wight couple celebrate 60 happy years of marriage

Richard and Christine Cullen, who have been married since 1964, marked the special milestone at Orchard House Care Home, Newport, where Richard lives, on Thursday.

They were surrounded by friends and family, who joined them to celebrate their incredible life long journey together.

Their story is one of 60 years of love, adventure and commitment — a testament to a life well-lived together.

Christine and Richard Cullen on their wedding day in Slough. (Image: Christine and Richard Cullen) The couple, who have two sons, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, met as teenagers in a supermarket in Slough in 1963.

Despite Richard initially dating Christine's best friend, they soon fell in love and were married a year later at St Mary's Church in Slough on October 24, 1964.

They then moved to the Isle of Wight, where they raised their family.

Read more: Happy Isle of Wight couple celebrate Diamond Wedding Anniversary

Richard spent 30 years in the police force, working as a crime scene photographer, while also exploring various hobbies, including archery, judo, karate, beekeeping and cooking.

He became a talented chef, hosting family gatherings, where wine and cheese were always in plentiful supply.

Christine and Richard Cullen celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary at Orchard House care home in Newport. (Image: Orchard House care home) The couple loved to travel, exploring places like France, Germany, Italy, and Turkey, where they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, in Istanbul.

Christine fondly recalls family outings in their racing green Mark II Jaguar and summers spent at the beach.

However, the couple faced challenges, including the loss of loved ones, but they embraced each experience together, said Christine.

Read more: Isle of Wight couple celebrate diamond wedding in Windsor

Richard now lives at Orchard House — and Christine visits him every day.

Christine said: "I couldn’t have wished for a better, kinder and more generous husband than Richard."

Katie Schlepp, head of lifestyle at Orchard House, said: "Christine is now an honorary member of the Orchard House family.

"I wish every young couple a love as strong and lasting as theirs, and I hope they can experience the same happiness and togetherness over the years that Christine and Richard have been blessed with."