A COUPLE given a "new lease of life" after moving to Deganwy are celebrating 70 years of wedded bliss.
Peter, 92, and Monica Lucas, 91, marked their Platinum wedding anniversary on May 8 with a family meal at Coleg Llandrillo's Orme View Restaurant. They also enjoyed cake with their granddaughter and two great-grandchildren.
The couple moved to Deganwy five years ago; they both commented how "happy" they are living in the area and what a "friendly" community it is.
Daughter Kay Pitt, who has siblings Ian and Jane, lives next door to her parents who met on the Labour League of Youth cycle outing, 20 miles from South Harrow to Runnymede (where the Magna Carta was signed in 1215) and married four years later at their then local church, St Paul's, South Harrow.
Peter and Monica on their wedding day. The couple were married at their (then) local church - St Paul's, South Harrow (Image: Submitted by Kay Pitt)
Peter was away doing National Service for two of those years.
Talking about her parents marking such a wonderful milestone, Kay said: "They felt amazed and very grateful that they were still together and in good enough health to enjoy the day.
"I was delighted to share the occasion with them. It is definitely a 'first' in the family tree I am researching so that is very satisfying."
Peter and Monica have six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren - two are based in the area and two live in the South of England.
Before moving to Deganwy, the couple lived in the same house in Staines for 52 years, near Runnymede.
Kay said: "My parents are lively minded and are still very interested in life. They both have smart phones so they can take part in the family WhatsApp group. They are active and enjoy pottering in the garden whenever it isn't raining.
Peter and Monica Lucas mark their 70th Wedding Anniversary. The couple received a card from the King and Queen. (Image: Submitted by Kay Pitt)
"They grew up in South Harrow - Dad worked for British Gas, mum focused on home-making and volunteering and was a skilled dressmaker. They both loved bird-watching and mountain walking and it was because of camping trips in North Wales that I chose to study at Bangor University and ended up living here.
"My dad is in the Denbighshire Art Club now and Mum goes to Conwy Culture Centre craft group. They both enjoy Deganwy History Society meetings.
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"Both are members of the local Wildlife Trust group. Dad is trying to learn Welsh and I have become fluent and am now treasurer of Llandudno Junction Merched y Wawr."
Asked what the secret is to Peter and Monica's long and happy marriage! Kay replied: "Give and take, and having some separate interests so you always have things to talk about.
"They both wanted to say how happy they are living here in such a friendly community and it has really given them a new lease of life.
"I would definitely second that."
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