But despite being posted to Africa on National Service, soldier Angus Porrett was never in any doubt that Eileen Glasby was the girl for him.
Neither was she, and the pair exchanged many letters before an emotional reunion, which resulted in their marriage on June 1, 1957.
Now the couple, who live in Haydon Bridge, have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with family and friends.
“We are still crazy about each other,” said Eileen. “We have been lucky and continue to have a good marriage to this day.”
Eileen (81) fondly remembers the day she met a group of soldiers during a holiday in Scarborough in the mid 1950s.
She said: “A tall, dark haired one came and sat next to me on a bench, and we talked and talked.
“During that week he came to see me three times. Later I learned he walked 13 miles back to base on each occasion.
“I gave him my address but didn’t really expect to hear from him, but a few weeks later I got an airmail from Africa.”
After two years of correspondence, Angus, who is originally from Fenham in Newcastle, travelled down to Eileen’s home in Skegby, just outside Nottingham. Their engagement and marriage followed, and the couple lived at Gosforth, before spending 35 years at Prudhoe.
For 42 years, Angus worked for Scott & Turner pharmacists. Now 82, he enjoys gardening and photography while Eileen is a talented watercolour artist who also enjoys writing.
They have one son, Steven; a 17-year-old granddaughter, Chloe; and have recently become great, great, aunt and uncle to baby Albie.
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