A couple who met at local newspaper making the news 50 years

A couple who met when they were working for a local newspaper were proud to be making the news themselves 50 years later.

Downham Grange nursing home resident Marcus Peck and his wife Janice celebrated their Golden Wedding on Saturday - but sadly covid restrictions meant their family gathering was limited to one held over Zoom.

Anna Wojtkowiak, manager of the Kingsley Healthcare home in Clackclose Road, Downham Market, said: “Our staff and residents have had their vaccinations now so we hope it won’t be too long before we are finally able to host a belated Golden Wedding celebration at the home. “Mr Peck, 77, who was a postman for 31 years, delivering mail to the Queen’s residence Sandringham House during the final decade of his career, was surprised by staff with special cards and a cake.

The home’s activities coordinator Tracy Nicholls said: “Marcus was so happy and lost for words when I took him to show him what I had done for him to celebrate their big day despite these difficult times.”

Mr Peck, who moved to Downham Grange from the couple’s home in Wiggenhall St Germans, near King’s Lynn, last July, met his wife when they both worked on the Luton News. He was in the advertising department and she worked in accounts.

They have two sons, Rob and Steve, four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Rob Peck, a software engineer, said: “My brother and I had both had health problems and the family moved to Norfolk for the better air quality.“My parents loved the area and our health improved.”

He said his father had often encountered members of the Royal family on his postal rounds. 

His father had a lifelong passion for growing vegetables and fruit while his mother always loved arts and crafts.

When asked the secret of their happy marriage, Mrs Peck said: “We have never had any rows. We always discussed and decided things together.”