A couple who met in World War Two at Saltash Masonic Hall celebrated their diamond wedding in the United States. Allen and Ruth Matherne met when the hall was at Lower Fore Street and was used by the Methodist Church for services after the chapel in Fore Street was destroyed by bombs during the Blitz. The couple have lived in America since their marriage in 1946. Ruth, nee Honywill, was born in Devonport but went on to live in Saltash with her parents, four brothers and one sister, and attended Saltash County Grammar School. Later, she worked at the telephone exchange in Plymouth. She made a courageous journey on her own to America and married Allen at The Little Church Around the Corner in New York without any of her family being present. They lived in Louisiana for a while and then moved to Michigan, where they still live. They have three children – Ruth Mary, Jane and James – six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Allen, 88, was in the coastguard/navy when he came to Britain and he took part in the Normandy landings, also at Anzio in Italy. On returning to the US, Allen left the navy and gained his BA and MA degrees and became a doctor of philosophy. He went on to become a lecturer and, eventually, the dean of a college of further education. Ruth studied American history and English language and gained an MA degree. Their family organised a celebration and special guests were Ruth's brother and his wife, John and Mona Honywill of Saltash, who had flown out for the event. Ruth, 80, was last home in 1997 for a school reunion.