Graham and Christina mark diamond wedding anniversary
A couple from Dewsbury with strong ties to Wakefield’s mining industry are celebrating 60 years of marriage.
Graham and Christina Firth, originally from Thornhill, are celebrating their Diamond wedding anniversary having married in 1966.
The couple, who met at just 14 years old, have spent a lifetime together since marrying at 18 and 19.
Their story began in Thornhill, where Christina attended Temple Field Girls’ School and Graham attended Thornhill High School.
Graham began work at the age of 16 at Caphouse Colliery in Wakefield, which has since become the National Coal Mining Museum for England.
He later went on to work at Kellingley Colliery, where he spent 35 years in the coal industry before retiring.
Outside of mining, he pursued creative hobbies including painting and drawing, and maintained a lifelong interest in motorbikes and tropical fish breeding.
Christina dedicated her early adult life to raising their family before later working as a carer.
She has long been involved in creative pursuits, including knitting and dressmaking, and has also been an active member of the Women’s Institute.
They have four children – Adele, Maxine, Kiera and Calem – along with 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, with another expected soon.
The family said they are a close-knit and supportive pair who have always placed family at the centre of their lives.
The Firths now live in Hensall, near Selby, and remain active in their community, continuing to support local causes.
They are also known for their love of animals and currently have two Jack Russell dogs.