Love still sparkles for Glenwood couple

GLENWOOD love birds Peter and Veleria Riddle celebrated 60 years of marriage on 3 January.

The couple said the ‘secret’ recipe to their long, happy marriage has been a lot of understanding, patience and forgiveness.

“We have always done things together like shopping and going to the doctor. It’s really been about understanding each other and of course, a lot of love!” said Veleria.

The pair met at Veleria’s 16th birthday party which Peter and his two sisters were invited to, as Veleria’s oldest sister was married to Peter’s uncle.

“We met at the party, Peter was in matric at the time and the next day I went to watch him play soccer. We stuck together from then on,” she said.

“Her dad was against our relationship because I was part of the family, so there were a lot of meetings in secret, but her mom was okay about it,” he said.

The couple got engaged 18 months later and were married in 1959. They had three children, Gavin, Gayle and Stuart, and each of them have two children. The couple also have a great-granddaughter who will be six in February.

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Peter joined a sugar company in Gledhow in 1960, which is now part of Illovo, and worked in Stanger for 21 years. He was transferred to the head office in Durban where he worked for seven years and then moved to Pongola where he worked for 12 years until he retired. He then joined Marine Lifesaving Club where he worked part time for 11 years.

Veleria worked in the Post Office before she was married, then worked for Hub and the Bear Brothers. She also worked for Fidelity Guards before the couple moved to Pongola.

The pair both enjoyed sport. Veleria played tennis, badminton and a little squash. She now enjoys walking with her friend and still keeps fit doing housework. Peter got involved in sport when working at the mills and his main passion was soccer.

He also played rugby and squash. He still plays golf every week and cycles a bit. Peter also completed two Comrades Marathons.

“We both still enjoy keeping fit,” he said.

Speaking about their marriage, Veleria said she would definitely do it all again. “Like all marriages we have had our ups and downs but we got through it all,” she said.

Peter joked: “Thank goodness I can get out to the golf course now and again! We have had really good years together.”

The couple celebrated their anniversary at a restaurant in Scottburgh with their son Gavin and his wife, son Stuart and his wife and their grandson Dylan. “We had a very nice time together,” they said.

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