ROMANCE blossomed across the Irish Sea for Hoyles Road, Wellington couple Phill and Sadie Hartnell, who have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

Phill, 84, and Sadie, 85, met in Northern Ireland when Phill was on holiday there and they married in Belfast in 1955, where Sadie lived.

Phill was born in Sampford Moor and the couple moved to Wellington soon after they married, where they have lived ever since.

He was a builder for Hill’s and a keen sportsman, playing football for Wellington and cricket for Sampford Arundel. He also played skittles for the Moonrakers for many years.

Sadie was a machinist at Relyon for 22 years and also played skittles for many years.

Phill did his National Service in Malaya and Singapore.

For the full story, see this week’s Wellington Weekly News.