Devoted Cirencester couple celebrate 60 years together

Rodney and Doris Collett met at a birthday party in Coln St Aldwyns in 1961 and married on December 22 the next year after a whirlwind romance.

The two, who have three children – Deborah, Timothy and Shelly – eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren, previously made headlines in the Standard in 2005 when Rodney surprised Doris with a romantic second wedding.

Since the two were not able to afford an expensive church wedding in 1962, the family organised a retake at Cirencester’s Holy Trinity Church with flowers, a tiara, photos and a honeymoon.

Rodney, said he wanted the chance to give his wife the day of her ‘dreams’.

“She thought she was going to a Christening and didn’t know anything about it so it was such a surprise,” he said at the time.

A photo of Rodney and Doris Collett at their second wedding in 2005 (Image: Debbie Braiden)

Last week, Rodney, 80, and Doris, 77, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with a steak dinner with their family.

“I am pleased to say they are still going strong after 60 years together,” said their daughter Deborah. 

“We won’t be doing too much as dad doesn’t like to venture out due to his health now and the cold. 

“But no doubt they will have visitors all day from their grandchildren and great grandchildren.” 

A photo of Rodney and Doris Collett and their children – Deborah, Timothy and Shelly (Image: Kate Gavaletz-Smith)

Deborah added: “They have lived in Cirencester since the early 60s, having married in the cold snap of 1962, just like the current weather. 

“My mum came from St Helena when she was only 16, she didn’t even have a coat when she arrived. 

“Her dad served in WW2 and stayed in London, so her mother left the island to look for her husband and then mum followed.”