A COUPLE from Woodfalls who met at a village dance are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary today (Saturday).

Mike and Shirley Dawkins were married at the Methodist Chapel in Woodfalls and have lived in the same lane all their married lives.

Mike did his National Service as a chef and is a baker/confectioner by trade. He worked in Salisbury at Nicholas & Harris bakery for a number of years.

After being made redundant, he worked at the Tanning Company in Downton, ironing the leather hides. However, this closed and he was offered the steward’s job at the Woodfalls Social Club, where he worked for more than 25 years.

Known for his Cornish pasties, sausage rolls, cheese straws and Eccles cakes, he has also made a number of wedding cakes and catered for buffets for wedding receptions.

Shirley originally worked at Harry Heads in Salisbury, then at Courtney’s the local grocery shop in Woodfalls until it closed.

She then worked at Baileys Spar shop in Downton for around 25 years. This was followed by Kimber’s Corner Shop in Downton for about ten years.

While Shirley belongs to the local flower club, winning many prizes for flower arranging and regularly providing arrangements for her local chapel, Mike is a member of Downton Bowls Club and has also been a member of the Hamptworth Golf Club.

The couple who have two children, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren will be celebrating their big day with family and friends.