A couple who met on Coronation Day while taking shelter from rain will celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary next week.

Cambs Times: Derrick and Joan pictured on their wedding day.Derrick and Joan pictured on their wedding day. (Image: © Jason Wells 2014)

Derrick and Joan King met when Derrick was playing in a village cricket match, while Joan was helping organise games for children.

Suddenly rain stopped play and everyone ran for shelter into a barn which was being used to serve afternoon tea. It was there that the couple met.

Derrick, 84, was born in a remote cottage at Wingland Marsh, near Sutton Bridge. Joan, 81, née Rogers, was born in Tydd St Giles.

They married on a damp, foggy day at Tydd St Giles Parish Church on November 27, 1954, and made their first home at Tydd Gote. Derrick was a landworker while Joan was a housewife.

Together they have three daughters. The eldest, Susan, lives in Wymondham, their middle daughter, Shirley, lives in Sheffield and Christine is in Blackpool. They also have seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

In 1961 the family moved to Wisbech. At one time both Derrick and Joan worked at The Metal Box Company, in Wisbech.

Derrick has not been in the best of health for the past few years and Joan is now his carer but she still finds time to tend their fruit, vegetable and flower garden.

The couple, who live in Elmfield Drive, Wisbech, will celebrate their anniversary by spending time with family, friends and neighbours.

When asked what their secret is to a long and happy marriage, Joan said: “To listen to one another, to be patient and tolerant.”

Derrick said: “Love. To love one another. I’ve always loved my Joan and always will.”