One look at 'that sheila', lifetime of love

On the wall of Lyndsay and Valma Marshall's living room is a canvas that reads: "Some love lasts a lifetime, true love lasts forever" - a testament to the Eaton couple's 60 years of marriage.

Today marks the the Marshalls' diamond wedding anniversary and, after meeting at a Friday night dance all those years ago, the dance-playing pair has lived a "full life".

The milestone is so big that the Queen sent a personal card of congratulations.

Mrs Marshall said the secret to the couple's lasting romance was in keeping busy - whether together or apart.

"We like to be involved in a lot of things and keeping our brains active helps," she said.

And they have certainly kept busy since meeting at the dance, where Mr Marshall said he took one look at his future wife and thought, "Oh God, look at that sheila over there".

"So it all started from that," he said.

Until about five years ago, the Marshalls were heavily involved in dance-play - even having their own band, the Melody Makers, which performed throughout the South West.

In between their musical talents and caravanning around Australia, the couple has been "blessed" with two daughters, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Both agreed that music had played a big part of their life together but added that family always came first.

Mrs Marshall said the biggest challenge they had faced was when her granddaughter was diagnosed with liver cancer at 13 months of age.

"That was a very traumatic time but you wouldn't know it now," she said.

"She's a beautiful, healthy girl who towers over us and she's our miracle."

When their daughters suggested a big celebration, Mrs Marshall said "no way" and looked forward to simply enjoying time with family.