A COUPLE who celebrated 60 years together have proved a happy marriage is possible, even after life’s many ups and downs.

Derrick and Betty Holt, from Fortnam Close, Headington, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary on Thursday.

The couple met in 1949 and were married at the Holy Trinity Church in Headington Quarry on June 30, 1951.

Mr Holt, 87, said: “Our wedding day was one of those occasions that ran beautifully, no doubt because of the ability of my mother-in-law.

“On the day, the weather was fine, all the silk dresses, made by my mother, were admired by all, the photographer was great and the church was smothered in flowers.”

They had five children, but two, Douglas and Lesley, died as young babies.

Their youngest son Alan was killed by a speeding driver in Cowley in 1987, a few days before his 20th birthday.

Mrs Holt, 83, nee Allen, said: “We now have two children, Michael and Melvin, and two grandchildren, Gemma and Simon.”

Simon is getting married today.

Mrs Holt left school at 14 and started a job at department store Elliston & Cavell, before working as a wages clerk for various companies.

She worked for 17 years for the late newspaper tycoon Robert Maxwell in Headington before her retirement.

She was also a keen member of Oxford Flower Arrangement Club, played bowls and was treasurer and auditor at various clubs and societies.

Mr Holt was born in his grandmother’s house, off Cowley Road, in 1924.

He signed up for the Oxford School of Art in Church Street in 1938 before the outbreak of war, when he was recruited into the Royal Signals.

He then trained as a radio operator and spent most of his service in West Africa, before returning in 1948 to work for American technology firm NCR for nearly 49 years.

The couple were also both keen gardeners, winning the Oxford in Bloom competition three times and featuring on TV shows and in the National Gardens Scheme.

As for the secret of a long and happy marriage, Mr Holt said: “The most important thing is never to carry an argument on for too long, just let it go.”

Mrs Holt said: “But don’t always let the man get away with things.”

Her husband joked: “Or never, in your case.”