A COUPLE were overjoyed to receive a card from the Queen congratulating them on their 60th wedding anniversary.
Gordon and Margaret Kirtley, now 80 and 81 respectively, celebrated their diamond anniversary with champagne and cake with their son Graham and friends at home, in Stanley, County Durham, on Thursday (July 30).
Mr Kirtley, originally from Stanley, met his future wife at a dance in Kyo and they were married at the Methodist chapel in Middle Street, Consett on July 30, 1955.
Asked the secret to a long and happy marriage, Mr Kirtley said: “Patience for the first seven years. It takes you seven years to get to know each other.”
He added: “I wouldn’t have changed a thing.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here