Derek and Margaret White, a remarkable couple from Somerset, are celebrating their seventieth wedding anniversary on Wednesday, October 15. At 95 and 91 years old, they continue to inspire with their enduring love story, which began at All Saints Church in Alford back in 1953.
The Whites, who have lived near Castle Cary for most of their lives, first met in the 1950s at a Young Farmers club. Over the years, they’ve built a loving family that includes three children, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
To celebrate their platinum anniversary, their children hosted a surprise party on Sunday, October 12, at the George Hotel in Castle Cary— a venue with special significance, as it was their original wedding reception location. Interestingly, the couple has a playful history with the hotel; Derek was once banned for a prank involving coal in the landlord’s laundry just before their wedding, a story their daughter Janet Pugsley fondly recalls.
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Despite this cheeky start, forgiveness (and many years) have passed. Derek and Margaret, who spent their lives farming, credit their successful marriage to patience, agreement, and a good sense of humor. Janet shares, “Dad says patience is key, and sometimes agreeing with everything each other says helps—plus turning off their hearing aids!”
Janet also reflects on their childhood memories growing up on the farm—helping with haymaking, milking cows, caring for farm animals, and going on occasional holidays. One memorable tale involves a sea fishing trip where Derek returned with a large catch that spilled all over the kitchen floor, leaving their meticulous mother with fish scales to clean for months.
This couple’s story is a heartwarming testament to the power of love, laughter, and shared life experiences through the decades.