A MARRIED couple have gone back to where it all began, celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary at the New Forest hotel where they tied the knot 60 years ago.
Peter and Avis Ferguson marked their milestone occasion with a family party at The Balmer Lawn Hotel & Spa in Brockenhurst.
Peter, aged 83, and his 79-year-old wife Avis were treated to a weekend escape by their three children, which included a surprise appearance by their grandchildren and partners.
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The couple were welcomed to a special room adorned with 60-themed decorations and balloons and also had Avis's priceless wedding dress on display.
All the family enjoyed exploring the venue’s landscaped gardens, rivers, and wildlife before returning to the hotel for a special anniversary dinner, which included a three-tier cake baked specially to reproduce the original showpiece from their magical day back in 1962.
A retired secretary, Avis and her cricket-enthusiast husband, Peter, who was a farm labourer by trade, have enjoyed countless visits to Balmer Lawn over the years.
Avis grew up in Brockenhurst where her grandparents settled in the 1930s. She attended the local school with her brother and met lifelong friends and her future bridesmaid there.
Reflecting on their diamond wedding anniversary , Avis said: "The 60th wedding celebration was an amazing surprise. Our children were taking us on a surprise weekend and we were completely unaware of what was to follow. We left Devon on a Friday night not having any idea what an amazing event it would turn out to be. We stopped for breakfast on Saturday morning to be met by the grandchildren and their partners.
"We watched the cricket and played our own version among the ponies on Balmer Lawn’s green. It was an unforgettable day and we’re so grateful to Balmer for continuing to provide us with so many happy memories.”
Charlotte Taylor, Events Coordinator at Balmer Lawn Hotel & Spa, added: "It was such a joy-filled day celebrated with those closest to Avis and Peter. To mark this monumental occasion at Balmer Lawn was a privilege for all involved."
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