This month a couple from Eastwood celebrated their 60th Diamond Jubilee anniversary with a surprise message from the Queen.

Vera, 83, and Tony Borrett, 87, celebrated their special occasion with a small family gathering having lunch with their three daughters and their partners at Alec’s.

After getting married at Dagenham Parish Church in August 1959, the couple lived in Ilford before moving, with their first daughter, in 1961 to Eastwood where they continue to live today.

Vera and Tony received cards, balloons and flowers, and most memorably a card from the Queen herself.

Daughter Pam Mechem explained her mother’s delight at getting an honorary Jubilee card from the highest order.

“My mum didn’t know anything about it but when she saw it that made her cry as well. It didn’t matter about all of our cards; it was the one from the Queen that she absolutely loved. Which was nice.”

Pam also revealed the secret to her parents’ long and healthy marriage.

“I think my dad is very laid back and easy going. They first met on a blind date and they have just got on so well ever since. Of course, they have their own separate interests but they also like doing things together as well”, she said.

“They love their family very much. They’re very family orientated.”

It also seems that Diamond Jubilee’s run in the family, as father Tony’s parents also achieved the same feat.

“Surprisingly, my dad’s mother, who’s obviously no longer with us, she received a card from the Queen for her 100th birthday. Her and my grandfather, they also celebrated their Diamond Jubilee anniversary and had a message from the Queen then.

So, I think they’ve got good genes to keep them going into old age as well.”