Eastbourne couple celebrating 60 years of marriage are ‘best friends’

Hazel and Tony Short married at Our Lady of Ransom on January 7 1961. They maintained connections with the church and pre Covid-19 they enjoyed coffee mornings there with Father Raglan.

Tony’s work took them away from Eastbourne and the family lived abroad in Hong Kong and Cyprus before they moved back to their spiritual home of Eastbourne when Tony retired in 1996.

They had two children, Mark and Sarah. Mark lives in Hertfordshire and Sarah in Canada.

Mark said: “I think their secret to a long and happy marriage is having each other as their best friend and always having a great sense of humour. They’re always happy and positive even in this difficult time.”

Hazel always loved sewing and dressmaking, but sadly due to macular degeneration she has had to give up that hobby. She is actively involved with the Macular Society in Hailsham. Tony loved motor racing in the 1960s and was an active member of the motoring clubs in Hong Kong and Cyprus. More recently he enjoyed playing golf at the Royal Eastbourne.

Their grandchildren say their other favourite hobby is sampling every tea and coffee shop in Eastbourne.

Mark added: “Dad can’t wait for The Olive Tree in Grove Road to reopen.”

Sarah said: “They even have a special coffee shop in the local town of in Canada. The owner is always asking when my parents are visiting. They have friends far and wide, many in Canada who have sent them special personal congratulations. They are a very special couple and loved by many.”

Tony and Hazel have three grandchildren, all married and living in Hertfordshire. They have two great grandchildren Evie, five, and Freddie, two.

They enjoy Zoom and What’s app calls with all the family.

Mark said the family was unable to celebrate due to Covid but added: “Instead, we bought them a celebratory meal from COOK and had a family get together and Zoom quiz with each round on our respective family wedding anniversaries culminating in the final diamond round. Not the same as a get together, but everyone agreed it was the next best thing.”