A CHANCE encounter in the street led to a 60 year marriage for a Coverdale couple.

When a youthful Robert Harker was staying with his sister at Starbeck in Harrogate, a chance conversation with the girl next door led to a 60-year romance. After engaging Janet in conversation he made the plunge and asked her on a date.

The future Mrs Harker explained: “He asked me if I’d paint a gate with him and I was so keen I asked my mother for a paintbrush and we had a lovely time.”

The couple were married at Starbeck Methodist Church on August 6, 1960 which was a significant date for Mrs Harker – her mother’s birthday and the day her parents had also married on.

Mr Harker moved from his home in West Witton to Harrogate where they lived until their silver wedding. Moving to Melmerby, Coverdale, for 35 years they have been part of the close-knit Dales community.

Until his retirement Mr Harker worked for the electricity board and was involved in the West Witton Bartle celebrations for more than 40 years; he likes to complete jigsaws and is a talented home baker.

Mrs Harker has worked for the Yorkshire Dales National Park for 30 years and is still a valued member of the work force. She also plays the organ at Melmerby Methodist Church and is a keen embroiderer.

Covid-19 rules slightly curtailed their planned diamond wedding celebrations, however on the day they had a socially-distanced get together in their garden with selected guests. Restrictions prevented many of their close relatives attending although their daughter Deborah and her husband John along with grandson Alistair did call to see them.

Asked for the secret of their marital success, the couple allude to “working and pulling together”.