A TAVISTOCK couple who got to know each other as penpals during the Second World War celebrated 60 years of marriage on Saturday. Donald and Patricia Fletcher from Down Park were given a surprise party by family and friends at the Ordulph Arms. The diamond couple met after the war at the ages of 22 and 19 when Donald had returned from Burma and they later married in their home town of Bristol. Donald continued to work as a sales rep for Lucas Electrical Parts when the couple moved to Tavistock more than 30 years ago. Patricia, who was once an employee of Wills Cigar Factory in Bristol, later worked at the Roland Bailey fruit and veg shop in Tavistock. They have one daughter Jackie and now have three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Grand-daughter Sam Brain said in those days because her nana was under the age of 21 she needed written consent from her father to get married. Sam said: 'They nearly did not get married at all because he had forgotten to sign the form. Apparently it was a bit fraught as they had to get Nana's dad to the church before her to make sure he signed it. Anyway it was obviously meant to be as the marriage has lasted this long.'
