A COUPLE from Bere Alston celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary last month, with a special family lunch at the Millstone Country House Hotel in Plymouth. Cyril and Phyllis Friend married 60 years ago in 1947 at Tavistock Register Office. They have lived in the Bere Peninsula all of their married life. Cyril, who turns 81 this year, was born in Bere Ferrers whereas Phyllis, who is 90 this year, comes from Teignmouth. The couple first met when Phyllis came to live and work in the Bere Peninsula. Cyril and Phyllis have three children, daughter Patricia, and two sons, Roger and Nigel as well as four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Phyllis was an active member of Bere Alston United Church until she had a stroke in February last year, but the church still plays a large part in her life. She also used to write a weekly column for the Tavistock Gazette about local events taking place in the area. Cyril worked as a farm labourer when he was younger but eventually worked in Devonport Dockyard until he retired.
