DIAMONDS are certainly forever when it comes to long and happy marriages. The WHT speaks to three WGC couples celebrating their 60th wedding anniversaries. Click here to read their stories of love through the years.

SPARKS flew when workmates from an electrical company fell in love during World War Two.

It only took WGC residents Tom and Doris Cathorne, who celebrated their diamond anniversary last week, one date to decide their future.

Tom, who like Doris is originally from Walthamstow, East London, told the WHT he was called away on duty with the Royal Marines before they could see each other any further.

"We both knew each other from work - the ASEA factory in Walthamstow, but it took me three weeks to pluck up the courage and ask her out.

"After that first date we kept in contact while I was away."

After the war, the couple married at St Gabriel's Church, Walthamstow, on June 26, 1948.

In 1955 they moved to Mount Way with Doris' sister and brother-in-law for a "taste of the countryside".

Doris, 85, said: "We came when the first houses were being built. We have been in the same home ever since.

"At first the QE2, which is opposite, was just a field with cows in it; within a year or so it started being built; it's not quite the countryside we had originally!

"My sister had the house next door to us, so it was great."

Since then the couple, who have two daughters, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, have had "many happy memories".

Tom, 81, added: "One of our great passions has been football. I always took my daughter Valerie to the Spurs and me and Doris used to go regularly, even when she was pregnant.

"We have been very lucky to have such a good life. We have had many happy memories, especially abroad on holiday."

WITH the hustle and bustle of modern day living, it's hard to imagine staying with a partner for almost your entire life.

Well Reg and Margaret Gwilliam have done just that.

The couple from WGC will celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary on Thursday.

Childhood sweethearts who met at primary school in Chester in 1930, the couple, of Rosedale, officially got together in 1940 and tied the knot in 1948.

Reg, 83, the former headteacher of Monk's Walk School in WGC, said: "It seems a minute ago since we married. Time just disappears.

"We know each other so well.

"People talk about that not being good but it is as you couldn't pretend to be someone you're not," added the ex-Royal Marine and keen gardener.

Reg and Margaret, 82, who used to be a language teacher at Monk's Walk, moved to WGC in 1964, and have four children, 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

When asked if there was a secret to being married for 60 years, Reg said his top tip would be companionship.

He added: "To be serious you have to share most interests but not everything.

"You should have some separate ones and encourage each other with these interests."

Since the couple retired from their roles at the Knightsfield school back in 1982, they have spent a number of years living in Singapore and enjoying life.

"We love to travel and living in Singapore was marvellous."

Margaret, a magistrate and keen dress maker, added: "Our marriage has been very good over the years. Not disappointing at all. I'm very happy."

A COUPLE introduced through a war-time family connection have celebrated their diamond anniversary.

George and Joan Adams, of Longcroft Gardens in WGC, met in 1946 and were married two years later in a church wedding in Mill Hill, North London.

George, 81, said they were introduced to each other by Joan's cousin.

He said: "He was a shipmate of mine in the Royal Navy and we both fought near the end of World War Two.

"After that, he introduced me to Joan and we've been together ever since."

George added: "I came out of the Navy in 1947 and moved to WGC where I worked as a transport executive.

"I left there and ended up at Britannia Airways where I stayed up until my retirement in 1992."

Joan, 82, worked in catering and her final job was as a cook supervisor at Templewood School in WGC.

The couple celebrated their anniversary in style with a meal at a French restaurant in London and a play at the Criterion theatre all courtesy of their two daughters, Gaynor and Lynette.

This was followed by a party in their honour at Gaynor's house.

George said that the secret for their long and happy marriage is down to being "deeply in love".

He added: "Close relationships with the rest of the family are important.

"As well as having two daughters, Joan and I have five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

"We feel very lucky to have a family that get on so well.