Celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary tomorrow (Saturday, April 10), are Brian and Pegi Webster (nee John), who although now living on the other side of the world, have strong local connections.

"My mother, Dorothy Margaret, was born and raised in Tenby being the daughter of James Thomas and Cathryn Lavina John, and her five siblings," their daughter Kim explained.

Kim continued: "One day, nearly 60 years ago, whilst out with her friend, Veronica James, on her dingy, her dog, eager to be away and on dry land, escaped from the vessel and ran ashore. The two women were desperately calling to the dog to return, but to no avail.

"Now here comes the love interest. In the barracks, next to the lifehouse, a RAAF serviceman was busy ironing his trousers so he could meet up with his mates. He heard the desperate pleas by the two girls and rushed out to see what the commotion was about.

"To cut a long story short - he got the dog and the girl!"

That serviceman was Brian and within six weeks, he and Pegi were engaged and got married shortly afterwards.

The couple were married on 10 April, 1950, at St. Mary's Church, Tenby. 

Bridesmaids were Mary Penson (nee Thomas) who is still an active member of community life in Tenby and Dorothy Thomas. Flower girl was Rosemary English.   Best man, also from Tenby was Gordon Reece (who at the time was the manager of Boots the Chemist). 

This ceremony was followed by a reception at The Sun Lounge Cafe in Tenby. 

The couple honeymooned at the Strand Palace in London and then went to live in Northampton where they raised their two beautiful daughters, Geraldine and Kim.

In 1972, they relocated to Melbourne, Australia, and soon fitted into the way of life there. 

Brian worked as the engineer in charge for the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, while Pegi was the customer services manager for the Victorian Hospitals Association, jobs they both held until their retirement.

Since retiring, they have thoroughly enjoyed themselves being members of Probus, the Waverley and the Malvern Gardening Clubs, the Melbourne Philatelic Club, the Friendship Organisation and they also attend keep fit classes twice a week.  They are also active members of the Syndal Baptist Church. 

Brian and Pegi will be celebrating their anniversary with their daughters and grandchildren, Sarah, Bryce and Gareth, and 45 of their very special friends. 

They travel overseas at least once a year and later this year will be returning to Tenby to visit their dear friends and family and to relive some very fond memories of the place they met 60 years ago.