Local restaurant owners Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Trott will tonight celebrate 50 years of marriage by recreating the magic of their wedding day on New Year's Eve in 1942.

According to Mr. Trott the marriage has lasted so long because: "She's got all the nerve and I've got the patience -- and that works.'' To celebrate their golden wedding anniversary, the Trotts are throwing a party tonight at the Hamilton Princess hotel for some 300 relatives and friends, many of whom have flown to the Island especially for the bash, including Mrs.

Trott's sister Mrs. Katherine Killiebrew of New York.

As she had not seen the guest list, Mrs. Trott did not know if her good friend Muhammed Ali, the former world heavyweight boxing champion who has visited her in Bermuda in the past, would be coming.

Nearly all the members of their original bridal party will be present as they repeat their marriage vows to each other.

Mrs. Olive (nee Richardson) Trott, who wed at the age of 20, said it took a lot of faith and understanding and many sacrifices to make the marriage last.

Although there were "misunderstandings'' and "little arguments'', they managed to work them all out. According to Mrs. Trott, making up afterwards does wonders for a marriage.

Her advice to young people: "You have to talk out your differences and solve them yourselves. Parents may have good advice but don't involve them.'' Of her husband, Mrs. Trott said: "He has been right at my shoulder the whole time.'' She recalled his support when she used to organise the Miss Bermuda pageant -- while running Richardson's restaurant on North Shore Road at the same time.

There is no golden age to get married, she noted. "Any age is a good age if you really want to make it.'' The Trotts have worked side by side for decades at their restaurant -- although they did take a break several years ago to enjoy each other's company.

They toured America and went on Caribbean cruises, before returning to the Island -- and work.

Working closely has not hurt their relationship, they agreed, but they do miss not eating their meals together because of the restaurant commitments.

GOLDEN COUPLE -- Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Trott are celebrating 50 years of marriage tonight with a party for friends and family at the Princess Hotel.

The couple were married on New Year's Eve in 1942.