In just over a week's time we would have been celebrating our 49th anniversary. This has made me remember some of the special ones we enjoyed.

On one occasion Martin presented me with a silver vase filled with beautifully crafted, red wax roses, which he had made. They lasted for many years.

We spent  our Silver Wedding Anniversary in the wilds of New Zealand. On the immense golden beach where we were walking we drew a heart in the sand with our names next to it, then carried on walking, not seeing another soul. However, when we got back to the car park there was another car there. As we appeared the occupants began to clap and shout 'Happy Anniversary', having seen and understood our message in the sand.

Another wedding anniversary in somewhat strange circumstances. When we were trekking in Nepal I noticed that Martin was quietly whittling away with his French Army knife at a small piece of wood. I didn't know what he was making and he was a bit disinclined to tell me. The carving was revealed to me as an anniversary gift: an intricately carved love spoon with wooden chain links, with our initials on. Somehow the amazing cooks on our trek managed to produce a splendid cake for us and we were entertained and given gifts with special significance for love and marriage by one of the villagers in her home. A very memorable anniversary.

Our Ruby Wedding was also very special. Martin had only recently recovered from bowel cancer and indeed was still receiving chemotherapy so arranging a party was a bit of an act of faith, with a chance that he would not be well enough to enjoy it. We rented a large house near Ashford and invited family and French friends to join us. Such a joyful weekend, with visits to Rye, Winchelsea and Sissinghurst, in cold, Spring sunshine.

There will be no Golden Wedding in a year's time but so many happy memories of 49 years spent together in shared love, friendship and enjoyment of life.