Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Diamond couple celebrate 60 years of married bliss
A diamond Carnbroe couple have marked the beginning of the new decade by celebrating their own momentous milestone.
And Hogmanay was even more memorable for Margaret and David Downie as they marked 60 years of wedded bliss.
Margaret, from Airdrie, and David, of Greengairs, first met across a crowded dance floor at the Airdrie Palais as teenagers.
The lovebirds were then married at the town’s West parish church on December 31, 1959.
Following their marriage, the devoted couple lived in Clarkston and Petersburn, before emigrating to Australia in 1967; and after seven years Down Under they returned to settle in Carnbroe and raise their beloved family.
Margaret and David have three children, Lorna, 59, Marina, 52, and David, 49, as well as six grandchildren.
Margaret, 79, was born and bred in Airdrie and trained as a nurse at Glasgow’s Royal, before going on to work in the psychiatric ward at Monklands Hospital.
Mum- of- three Margaret said “it was love at first sight” when she met David – the “love of her life” – at the tender age of 16.
She is a keen knitter and cook and also passionate about baking.
David, 80, began his career as a market gardener before the couple emigrated to Australia.
On his return to Monklands, he worked as a metaliser finisher for Schneider Industries in Motherwell for 19 years until his retirement.
David is an avid Rangers fan and
“never missed a match” when he was a youngster.
He continues to support his beloved football team and also enjoys pottering in his greenhouse nurturing his vegetables.
The loved- up couple also enjoy travelling and spending time with their son David and his family, who now live in Australia, but Margaret confessed she “hates” flying.
She confirmed that the recipe to their long and blissful union is her family, but she has been smitten with husband David since their first glance.
Margaret told the Advertiser: “From the minute I met David he was the guy that I wanted; I wouldn’t change him for the world.
“The thing that keeps us happy is the fact that we have a family; your children take over your life.
“There are people who don’t have children, but for ourselves the children are the main thing that has kept us happy.
“Before we do anything we always talk it through; the secret is being open with one another.”
The diamond duo, who celebrated their anniversary with their family and friends, were delighted to receive a special card from the Queen to mark the special day.