THE secret of a happy marriage, according to the Bucklands, is laughter. The Monmouth residents met with the Beacon to reflect on their 60 years together ahead of their diamond wedding anniversary celebrations last Monday (26th January).

Timothy and Kirstie Buckland met for the first time on a platform at Ross station.

As Kirstie was living in London, Timothy drove down to see her many times before he asked for Kirstie's hand in marriage, which involved Kirstie being thrown from her horse prior to Timothy's proposal.

The couple married in London at Christ Church on Mayfair Street.

The duo have enjoyed a very busy life. Timothy was a magistrate for 36 years and an Independent councillor for 14 years on Monmouth Town Council. Kirstie is a textile historian and travels across the globe hosting lectures.

The couple still show no sign of slowing down with Timothy still farming at Trellech and Kirstie active in her passion for history.

The couple have welcomed four children and nine grandchildren into their family.

Kirstie said: "We support each other. It helps if you keep busy and have separate interests. We also laugh a lot."

Timothy said: "We are very blessed."

The active couple marked their momentous occasion with a stay in a London hotel overlooking the Thames.