Newport couple celebrate 60 years of marriage with party
They married on August 3, 1965, at Malpas Church in Newport, in a ceremony led by Vicar Pontin.
Over the years, the couple have built a close-knit family, raising four children—John, 60, Helen, 57, David, 41, and Catherine, 40—and welcoming eight grandchildren.
Bill and Beth Scadden in 2025 (Image: Supplied) Daughter Catherine, reflecting on their parents' journey, said: "My mum and dad were sweethearts who met at St Julian's School.
"My dad went on to become an orthopaedic surgeon and joined the British Navy.
"They travelled the world until my dad decided to move to South Africa, Durban, in the 1970s and took up a position at Addington Hospital.
"They created a happy family life with beloved pets including snakes, rats, fish, chameleons, and a bird or two."
Although their children eventually moved abroad to pursue their own opportunities, the couple kept their Newport roots alive.
She said: "They never failed to share the many stories and traditions of Newport, Wales.
"My dad's favourite meal was Welsh rarebit and Welsh cakes."
Beth's father, Len Marsden Gill, was a retired police sergeant who served with Newport Borough Police and was a commando during the Second World War.
Bill and Beth Scadden, taken on their wedding day (Image: Supplied) He later moved to South Africa to live with the family and remained with them until his death.
The Scaddens spent 60 years filled with 'adventures, laughs, and giggles through the highs and lows.'
They even owned a Cessna plane and held pilot licences, flying along the Durban coast so Mr Scadden could visit patients.
When asked about the secret to a long and happy marriage, Mrs Scadden said: "Lots of love and patience, tolerance, and a sense of humour through the highs and lows.
"Living in Africa is not for sissies and life is way too short to hold a grudge."
The family will gather on the Isle of Wight to celebrate the couple's 60th anniversary with a party.
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