Diamond wedding couple as much in love now as 60 years ago

Gordon and Wendy Mann, aged 82 and 81, are celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary this week in sparkling style.

Mr Mann said: “We first met at Sandal youth club when we were both 15 years old and we got engaged when we were 18. Then at 21 I was called to do my national Service in the RAF.

“We got married at St Catherine’s Church on May 19, 1956, and had three children. Diane, 57, is the eldest of our children, we then had Melanie, 54, and finally Adrian who is now 50. We also have six wonderful grandchildren, the eldest being 27 and then right the way through to 13.

“I started a business making copper cylinders in 1957 which was quite successful and then I retired when I was 60. Wendy never went out to work because she was kept busy looking after our children.

“Now we enjoy holidays on cruises to visit different countries, and to celebrate our Diamond Wedding anniversary, we are going on the Orient Express, travelling over to Venice before flying home.

“We are very happy and we have had a lovely long life together.

“I would say the secret to a happy marriage is to continue loving each other just like you did when you first met, be tolerant of each other through the good and bad times, and finally to be loyal.”

Just being there for each other is one of Mrs Mann’s secrets.

She said: “I have been in love the whole time and it grows stronger every year. I still can’t believe that 60 years have passed.

“Our children, all the grandchildren and their partners are coming for the weekend to have a family gathering in a local restaurant for a meal.

“The secret for me is to talk to each other a lot to sort out your problems as a couple, but also to just be there for each other.

“Every time I get up in the morning and every time I go back to bed I thank God for everything I have.”