A weeping cherry tree stands proudly in the garden of Roy and Edith Fisher’s home in Greystoke.
The couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary on Thursday — the tree was a gift for their silver anniversary in 1988 and is a living symbol of their long and happy marriage.
Like the tree, the Fishers’ roots run deep in the village, which has been their home for 54 of their 60 years together. They have enjoyed bright sunshine and weathered numerous storms.
Their love has grown stronger with each passing year. And just like the tree, their marriage has blossomed new life, with three children and eight grandchildren.
Edith, who celebrated her 80th birthday on Friday, was born near the schoolhouse in Greystoke, just a few hundred yards away from their home.
Roy, aged 83, was born in Maulds Meaburn, the fifth of six children, and grew up on the family farm.
The couple met at a dance in Newbiggin village hall in 1960, and married on 31st August 1963, the day before Edith’s 20th birthday.
They then flew to the Isle of Man from Carlisle airport for a week-long honeymoon, which Roy insists had nothing to do with the famous TT motorbike races taking place at the same time.
Edith worked as a confectioner for Bardgett’s in Penrith before they welcomed daughters Julie and Jane and son Hylton into the world — who all still live locally.
Roy worked in various farming roles and for an insurance firm before starting his own business selling agricultural medicine to farmers all over Cumbria.
He sold the business and retired in 2000, just before foot and mouth disease devastated the county’s farming community.
Retirement gave the couple an opportunity to spend more time on their real passion, helping to support the local community.
They were both on the committee for the campaign to save and support Greystoke swimming pool, organising all sorts of events including sponsored walks and charity balls to raise more than £50,000.
Roy also served as chair of the village hall committee for 34 years, helping to raise money to support a wide range of local causes.
Together, the couple organised the annual bonfire and fireworks display at nearby Greystoke Castle, and in 2004, Roy served as chairman of Eden District Council.
“So much has changed since we moved here more than 50 years ago, I used to walk two miles to school and back every day in all weathers, and there were no proper roads back then.
“We farmed with horses until the early 1960s and had some terrible winters when many of our cattle starved,” said Roy, reflecting on his early days as a farmhand.
Both are grateful for living through decades of relative peace and prosperity.
“We’ve lived through some of the best times the world has ever seen, but I wouldn’t want to start over again with the challenges young people have to think about now —climate change, the cost of living, a war in Europe, life was hard but so much simpler when we were first married,” adds Edith.
The couple have enjoyed a summer holiday every year since 1963, often in their beloved caravan which has taken them all over the UK, with the islands of Scotland being a particular highlight.
“Marry someone like your mother,” laughs Roy.
“I can’t remember my mother ever raising her voice and Edith never has either, she’s been the backbone of our family and my best friend all these years and she still is,” he adds.
Edith offers some of her own advice for a long and happy marriage.
“Be nice to each other. Marriage needs work and love and respect. It’s a team and we still love each other dearly,” she said.
As the weeping cherry tree bends and blows in the wind outside, Roy has a final reflection.
“My father said I would never achieve anything in my life. Edith has proved that wrong for over 60 years, the love we share and the life and family we have made has been the best gift.”
