A MEETING at a dance in Malvern’s Winter Gardens has led to 60 years of marriage for one couple.

Madge Napper, or Miss Woodyatt as she was then, came from St John’s in Worcester and her future husband Ted Napper, from Taunton, in Somerset He moved up here in 1950 to work as a technical engineer for the Ministry of Defence.

They were married at St John’s Church, on September 27, 1952, and the couple have lived in the area ever since, now residing in Guarlford.

Mr Napper pursued his engineering career, and his wife, who had trained as a milliner, joined Malvern’s upmarket department store Warwick House.

“I used to make the model hats for all the brides, and for a while I taught millinery as well,” she said. “Even when I retired from Warwick House, I continued to make hats for ladies who were going to Ascot or to Buckingham Palace garden parties.”

Mr Napper’s engineering interests meant the couple developed a great interest in model engineering, and for many years they were involved with the Welland Steam Rally together.

“We’ve always been a great team,” said Mrs Napper. “We’ve worked together and enjoyed our interests.

“We never had any children, but we do have some wonderful nephews and nieces.” Earlier this week, Mr and Mrs Napper had lunch with some of their relatives at the Diglis House Hotel in Worcester, where their wedding reception had been held, and yesterday (Thursday) they were due to mark their anniversary with another meal with family members.