Haywards Heath couple have never argued in 60 years marriage

Leonard Wood, 86, met Sheila, 84, at a young farmers’ dance, and married her at St Wilfrid’s Church, Haywards Heath on September 4 1954.

Leonard said: “I can honestly say we haven’t had a row in 60 years, we’ve had our differences but nothing major, don’t take it to bed with you, that’s the secret!”

Sheila was born on West Road, Haywards Heath and grew up in Steeple Cottage, Cuckfield Road where three generations of her family have lived whilst Leonard moved to Sussex when he was 18.

“When we met I accidentally hit him round the head with my hand bag,” Sheila said.

“And somehow we ended up getting married. I don’t know what it was, we danced together and that was it. I can’t remember anything special,” Leonard joked.

The pair put their long, happy marriage down to having lots in common and spending a lot of time laughing and joking with each other.

Leonard said: “We just clicked, we get on well together, it’s about give and take.”

“A lot of jokes and a lot of chat, we have a lot to talk about, we’re both country people,” Sheila added.

Leonard’s brother Percy and Sheila’s wife were also married, and made it to their golden wedding anniversary.

“Gene brought us together at the young farmers’ dance,” Sheila explained.

“Percy died five years ago so they didn’t quite make it to their diamond.

Sheila worked at Charles Clark book shop on Boltro Road and Leonard worked on Ardingly College Farm.

He was also a member of the Haywards Heath Horticultural Society and has been a judge at their flower show for 20 years, which he is retiring from this year.

The pair say their happiest memories are from their time living on the farm.

“We loved the farm, farming and being with our family,” Sheila continued. “We were lucky living on a farm with fresh milk, chicken and eggs!”

And she said she ‘takes her hat off’ to those at Oathall Community College who do ‘so much for the youngsters’ at their farm.

The couple’s daughter, Jennifer Cook, described them as ‘brilliant’ parents.

In a family full of joy and laughter, she joked: “They’re not too much trouble!”

“They’re a great example to me of how to make things work, they’ve looked after my grandchildren, I’m spoilt rotten, and I can’t remember them arguing,” she added.

They are planning to spend the anniversary with family.“Every wedding anniversary is always very special,” Leonard said.

“Now that she has arthritis she can’t get around so we can’t go on holiday.”

Always joking with his wife and looking on the bright side, he added: “As long as we’re sitting down it’s fine!”

But the couple are worried about changes in Haywards Heath.

“I remember the town as it used to be,” Sheila said.

“We used to play out in the woods, life was different then, that’s the sign of the times. It’s taking all the heart out of it, all the building.”