THE secret to a long and happy marriage is no secret for Grayshott residents Brian and Rosemary Tapp... it runs in the family.

Continuing the loving tradition, the happy couple, who have just celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary, are following in the footsteps of their parents on both sides, who also celebrated 60 years of wedded bliss.

Clearly also a close-knit family, all three couples also grew up in the area and have never moved away.

Brian and Rosemary met during their last year at Godalming Grammar School in 1952, then got engaged in 1955 before marrying at St Paul’s Church, Camelsdale, on June 15, 1957.

They moved to Cranleigh and later to Elstead, moved back to live again in Cranleigh, and moved to Grayshott in 1987.

Rosemary worked as a secretary for various companies and Brian was group finance director of an engineering group.

Their two children have now given them four grandchildren.

Brian’s parents, Fred and Marjorie Tapp, met in Cranleigh and married in 1931, later moving to Holmbury before moving to Elstead in 1946.

They celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in 1991 and were married a total of 67 years.

Rosemary’s parents, Les and Dorothy Queen met in Camelsdale and married in 1936.

They celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in 1996 and were married for 62 years, never leaving the village.

Also making the magic 60, were Rosemary’s maternal great grandparents, Albert and Mary Ridley, who married in 1887 and celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in 1947, while her grandparents George and Charlotte Queen – who married in 1906 and lived in Shottermill – sadly fell short by just one year due to Mrs Queen’s death in 1965.

Brian and Rosemary’s daughter Sarah Thomas said: “We had a great party, at our house, for mum and dad, attended by about 33 friends and family members.

“As a surprise, I also organised for their only bridesmaid, Lyndy, to come.

“They were so pleased to see her. They received some lovely presents including a memory box of 1957, two photo books, some orchids, and a diamond anniversary photo frame among other things.

“Dad also brought along the telegram card, in the special mongorammed frame from Buckingham Palace, for everyone to see.

“The party started at 4pm and the last guests left at 2am.”