Tuesday proved a golden day for well-known Tenby couple, Des and Shirley Wickland, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Both 'Tenbyites', the couple first met at a dance in the town's De Valence Pavilion in 1953. Des was 22 and had just completed his National Service, while 18-year-old Shirley had gained her music degree. "It was love at first sight across the dance floor and we have been together ever since," said Shirley. The couple were engaged in 1955 and a year later, they married on December 5, 1956, at Deer Park Baptist Church. They didn't have a honeymoon because they didn't have enough money. Instead, Des, a mason by trade, and Shirley, who worked at Craigs Dairy until her marriage, set up home at Thornlea, Upper Park Road, which they did up over the years and where they have lived ever since. The couple's son Mark was born in 1959. Keen walkers, Des and Shirley have shared a wide variety of interests and hobbies, including fishing, boating, golf and playing the keyboard. Des was also a renowned bowler, winning one of the top accolades in Welsh bowls, Tenby's coveted Gold Cup, in 1964. Mark followed in his father's footsteps and shared his love of boating, fishing and golf, winning Tenby Golf Club's Scratch Cup in 1986 at the age of 28. The couple celebrated their special anniversary with a holiday in Jersey in the summer, but on Tuesday, they were delighted to welcome a stream of family and friends at their home. "We had a wonderful day," said Shirley. "People were calling all day long and we had some lovely cards and beautiful flowers which really made it a day to remember." When asked for their recipe for a long and happy marriage, both agreed it was "love, respect, understanding and having a good sense of humour."