Couple's annual journey back in time

EVERY year one Ipswich couple makes the short pilgrimage to the place they wed and today was no exception.

Unlike many couples who celebrate their big day with a meal and a bash, Queenie and Cyril Staff marked their 54th wedding anniversary with a cup of tea at Ipswich Tourist Information Centre.

The centre, which is found inside St Stephen's Church, was the place where the Staffs tied the knot on July 1, 1950.

Mrs Staff said: "This is where we got married. When we first met we lived in Wingfield Street and this wasn't far from where we lived.

"I don't think we have missed a year not recently anyway."

The couple have truly stayed together through better or worse as Mr Staff who is now 77 has had several health problems.

His wife added: "Cyril cannot eat and has had his ear removed because of cancer. I have to feed him through a tube and put his artificial ear on every day. I have been doing that for eight years but I wouldn't be without him bless his heart."

Despite their struggles the couple agree they are both very much in love and work through their problems.

Mrs Staff said: "Making up is the best bit about marriage. We have a cuddle and a kiss and say we are sorry and love each other."

The couple met when Mr Staff was in the army and they married soon after. Mr Staff was 23 at the time and Queenie Mcwade, as she was then known, was 19.

Mrs Staff, 73, added: "The church has changed a lot since then. When we got married we came in a different way. The preacher was lovely and it was a beautiful service. Afterwards we went to Gainsborough Labour Club."

The couple moved to Mallard Close when the houses in Wingfield Street were pulled down and have lived there ever since.

They have a daughter Carole Aldous, two grandsons and three great grandchildren.