CELEBRATIONS Diamond couple toast 60 years

A DEVOTED couple who met at a dance have celebrated their diamond wedding with their closest family.

Mel and Nita Collis, who now live in Caerphilly county, marked their anniversary on March 23.

Mel, from Aberbargoed, and Nita, from New Tredegar, met at a dance.

The pair’s early years as a couple were over a long distance, as Mel moved to the West Midlands to find work.

They maintained their relationship and married in a church ceremony watched by their closest friends and family.

The day after their wedding, they moved to Staffordshire so Mel could continue working.

Mel was a miner for the National Coal Board and a coal haulier.

They had two sons in the Midlands – Gary and Mark – and returned to New Tredegar and the Rhymney Valley after four years.

Nita worked in several factories throughout her working life, as a cook, working in a sewing factory and lastly as a care assistant at a local nursing home.

Mel retired aged 50 when the pit closed and Nita retired at the age of 60.

Both now 80, Mr and Mrs Collis are settled in Aberbargoed and enjoy seeing their children as much as possible.

They celebrated 60 years of marriage on March 23 with a family meal at Maes Manor, and thoroughly enjoyed the occasion.

Son Gary said: “They enjoyed the day. Thanks for the 60 years. Let’s hope they’ve got many more.”