Belmont Hotel this week.

Six couples who travelled from Massachusetts to celebrate their 25th anniversary have returned 25 years later for their golden celebrations.

The couples are Dr. Elbert and Mrs. Betty Stallard, Mr Phil and Mrs. Lucille Stoddard, Mr. Lucius and Mrs. Nancy Smith, Mr. Edward and Mrs. Marjorie Dunlap, Mr. Jack and Mrs. Dot Overbagh and Mr. Don and Mrs. Phyllis Garland.

Meeting in the town of Hingham just south of Boston, they decided to travel to Bermuda together to celebrate their silver anniversary year in the sun.

They remained friends with only the Garland's and the Stoddard's moving from Hingham. Mr. and Mrs. Garland now live in Beauford, South Carolina, and Mr.

and Mrs. Stoddard live in Marlborough, New Hampshire.

Naturally during the year of their 50th anniversaries they voted again to come together to the Island.

Mrs. Stallard said: "We all married in 1943 and were neighbours in Hingham which is a small town over the years.

"We enjoyed being together in Bermuda so much that we decided to do the same thing when we were all approaching 50 years together.

"I suppose it is pretty unique. I did not really think about it until a taxi driver told me to contact The Royal Gazette . Her name was Juliet and she did not charge me for the ride.'' All 12 are interested in tennis and golf and were taking the opportunity to play a couple of games before they return home this weekend.

GOLDEN GATE -- Six golden wedding couples celebrate in front of the Belmont Hotel's moongate. From left: the Stallards, the Stoddards, the Smiths, the Dunlaps, the Overbaghs and the Garlands.