40th wedding anniversaries declared yesterday.

The three couples -- still happily married -- met in Bermuda 40 years ago when they were on their honeymoons and were introduced by an activities director at Elbow Beach Hotel where they were staying.

Since then, the couples from different parts of the United States have kept in contact with Christmas cards and visits. Although some have since returned to Bermuda for holidays, this year they decided it was time to revisit the Island together.

"It was a very, very special shared experience for us,'' said Mr. Paul Steck of Summit New Jersey. "Bermuda is as lovely as it was then,'' his wife Ruth claimed adding: "but bigger and busier''.

Mrs. Gini Lappe said she and her husband Richard from Newtown Square, Pennsylvania had chosen Bermuda for their honeymoon because her parents had honeymooned here in the 1930s. The others opted for the Island for its good reputation.

"It was a little out of the ordinary -- it was something special,'' said Mrs.

Bobbi Turk. "I had the choice between Sea Island, Georgia and Bermuda and Georgia paled by comparison.'' Mrs. Bobbi Turk and her husband Dick from Baltimore said they have travelled all over the world. But this is their first trip back to Bermuda since their honeymoon in September, 1955.

"I am only sorry we didn't come back earlier. It feels so comfortable. People here are genuinely courteous and kind,'' Mrs. Turk said, citing examples of helpful taxi drivers and people who went out of their way to give the group directions.

The couples were also treated with champagne and a special dessert courtesy of the Pink Beach Cottage Colony where they are staying.

anniversary with a nostalgia trip back to the Island. Pictured outside their hotel, Pink Beach Cottage Colony, from left, Mrs. Gini Lappe and her husband Richard, Mrs. Ruth Steck and her husband Paul and Mrs. Bobbi Turk and her husband Dick.